Pakistan Temporarily Suspends Mobile Services Nationwide for General Elections
Pakistan is currently in the midst of high-stakes elections, as its 240 million population votes to elect a new parliament and prime minister. However, the elections have been marred by violence and attacks, with at least nine people killed in poll-related incidents. One such attack took place in northwest Pakistan’s Dera Ismail Khan, where gunmen set off a bomb and opened fire at a police van, resulting in casualties among officers assigned to security duty for the elections.
In addition to the violence, voters have also faced difficulties due to the suspension of mobile network and data services in several parts of the country. Many voters complained of no internet reception outdoors, hindering their ability to access information while heading to polling stations. This move by Pakistani authorities to suspend mobile networks has sparked criticism from opposition leaders and human rights groups, who view it as a violation of people’s rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Amnesty International has condemned the suspension of telecommunications and mobile internet services, calling it a “reckless attack on people’s rights.” Livia Saccardi, interim deputy director for South Asia at Amnesty International, stated that the decision to impede access to information during such a critical time is in breach of people’s human rights. The blanket shutdowns not only impact people’s mobility and livelihood but also undermine their trust in authorities. Amnesty International has called on authorities to lift all blanket restrictions.
Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, considered a frontrunner in the elections, has dismissed suggestions that his party might not win an outright majority and would need to form a coalition government. Sharif expressed confidence in his party’s ability to secure a clear majority and even discussed plans for key posts within his family. However, the elections have faced accusations of rigging and unfair conditions for Sharif’s main opponent, Imran Khan.
The main contests in these elections are expected to be between candidates backed by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party and Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League. Analysts believe that Sharif is being supported by the powerful military, making the military’s stance a deciding factor in the outcome of the elections. The economic challenges facing Pakistan are also a significant concern, with solutions likely to be painful regardless of who comes to power.
Despite reports of irregularities and requests for an extension of voting time, the Election Commission of Pakistan has rejected any proposals for an extension. The commission has stated that the voting time will not be extended beyond 5 pm, and unofficial results can be expected by 6 pm.
The elections have also been marred by the presence of Taliban fighters in northwest Pakistan’s North Waziristan. Local party leaders have reported that the Taliban has taken control of polling stations and issued threats to locals and polling staff. The region has been experiencing a tense security situation for months, with attacks on candidates and concerns for the safety of voters and polling staff.
In addition to security concerns, a chain of attacks disrupted voting in various parts of Pakistan. In Dera Ismal Khan, gunmen targeted a police van, killing five officers and injuring two others. Another attack occurred in Kot Azam, where a soldier was killed by gunmen firing on troops. Unidentified assailants also threw hand grenades at two polling stations in southwestern Balochistan province, causing panic among voters but no casualties.
The outcome of these elections will determine the future direction of Pakistan, with various political parties vying for seats in the National Assembly. As the country awaits the official results, the focus remains on ensuring fair and transparent elections while addressing the security challenges that have plagued the process.
