ISLAMABAD – Mobile phones and internet services remain suspended as voting started in general elections across the country that started amid violence that claimed lives of 30 people.
Authorities stopped the mobile phone services as safety measure to law and order amid the polls.
In a statement, Pakistan’s interior ministry said mobile services remain suspended nationwide to maintain the law and order situation and tackle threats.
It said precious lives have been lost in recent attacks and security measures are crucial to maintain law and order and to deal with potential threats.
NetBlocks, which monitors mobile and internet availability, said Live network data shows disruption to mobile internet in Pakistan with high impact to second-largest operator Zong, corroborating widespread user reports of outages; the incident comes as polls open on election day.
⚠ Confirmed: Live network data show a disruption to mobile internet in #Pakistan with high impact to second-largest operator Zong, corroborating widespread user reports of outages; the incident comes as polls open on election day 📵 #PakistanElection2024 pic.twitter.com/XWIyU1BKvO
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) February 8, 2024
Amid the polling process, people in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta and other cities are facing suspension of internet and mobile services.
With no mobile phone services, citizens are facing inconvenience to communicate with their loved ones.
Amid the security threats, Pakistan also closed its border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran to ensure security during elections.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/08-Feb-2024/general-elections-2024-polling-underway-across-pakistan-amid-strict-security
