As millions of people head to the polls to choose a new government, Pakistan has banned broadband connections and mobile phones. A representative for the interior ministry stated that the action was necessary, citing recent terrorist attacks in the nation.
Nearly two years have passed since Imran Khan, a former cricket player who entered politics, was removed from office in a no-confidence vote. Khan cannot hold public office after being imprisoned on corruption-related charges last year.
Presently running in what many observers consider to be Pakistan’s least credible election to date is three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
While data and phone services have been interrupted, wifi networks seem to be operational.
“Voters should be facilitated instead of [having to be met with] such hurdles,” a voter expressed dismay at the decision to the BBC. Someone else expressed her expectation of a complete shutdown.
A spokeswoman for the Interior Ministry justified the action by saying, “As a result of the recent incidents of terrorism in the country, precious lives have been lost. Security measures are essential to maintain law and order situation and to deal with potential threats.”
On Wednesday, 28 people were murdered in two terrorist attacks in the province of Balochistan.
The son of assassinated former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, Bilawal Bhutto Zadari, also voiced his disapproval of the shutdown and demanded that services be resumed “immediately”. In an attempt to restore services, Bhutto, who is also a candidate for president, claimed that his Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has contacted the courts and the electoral commission.
Every voting place in the nation has a significant security presence, and the nation is on high alert. Army officers were walking around one Lahore station that the BBC visited, and there were armed guards stationed at the door.
