The decision to implement the measure was deemed necessary by a spokesperson from the interior ministry of Pakistan, who referenced recent acts of terrorism within the nation. The upcoming election comes nearly two years after the former prime minister, Imran Khan, a former cricketer turned politician, was removed from office through a no-confidence motion.
Nawaz Sharif, who has served as prime minister three times previously, is now a candidate in what numerous analysts describe as Pakistan’s most questionable election to date. Khan was imprisoned on corruption charges last year and is ineligible to run for office. While voice and data services have been halted, wifi networks remain operational. Expressing dismay at the decision, one individual informed that voters should be supported rather than confronted with such obstacles.
Source: The Hindu
Another individual anticipated a complete shutdown.
Numerous voters in Lahore conveyed to the BBC that the internet blackout hindered their ability to arrange transportation to polling stations and communicate with family members regarding voting plans. Justifying the action, a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry stated: “In light of recent terrorist incidents in the nation, precious lives have been lost. Security measures are imperative to uphold law and order and address potential threats.”
The nation remains on high alert, with a significant security presence at polling stations nationwide. A visit by the news channel to a polling station in Lahore revealed armed guards at the entrance and military personnel patrolling the vicinity. Pakistan’s foreign ministry spokesperson announced the closure of border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran for both cargo and pedestrians to “ensure complete security” during the polling period.
Historically, the country has resorted to internet shutdowns to control information flow, though the extent of this shutdown is unprecedented, particularly during an election. Nawaz Sharif described the election as “completely fair” after casting his vote alongside his daughter Maryam in Icchra, Lahore. Security measures were stringent, with officers surrounding them and a vehicle equipped with antennas to disrupt phone signals. When questioned about the fairness of the election, Mr. Sharif affirmed its fairness unequivocally.
Speaking to the news outside the polling station, he highlighted the challenges faced by the nation, referencing the lack of civility, arrogance, and the culture of disruption under Khan’s leadership. He emphasized his family’s sacrifices and expressed hope for a better future if his party emerges victorious.
Voting will conclude at 1700 local time (1200 GMT). Strict regulations on election coverage remain in place until 23:59 local time on Thursday. The timeline for announcing results remains uncertain but must be disclosed within two weeks of the vote. At a polling station in Multan, some female polling agents reported being denied entry into polling booths, preventing them from observing the voting process. Typically, female polling agents are granted seats inside booths.
In Lahore, Pakistan, voters experienced long waits at polling stations, with some waiting for over two hours to cast their ballots.
Approximately 128 million registered voters, nearly half of whom are under 35, are eligible to vote. Over 5,000 candidates, including only 313 women, are contesting the 266 directly-elected seats in the 336-member National Assembly. The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) and the PPP are the major contenders in the election.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, led by Khan, faces challenges after being banned from using its cricket bat symbol. PTI-backed candidates running as independents are compelled to use alternative symbols such as calculators and electric heaters. Electoral symbols are crucial in a country where a significant portion of the population is illiterate. Imran Khan is currently serving a prison sentence of at least 14 years, following convictions in three separate cases within a week. The PTI alleges interference by the military, with whom Khan had strained relations prior to his removal and imprisonment.
Source: NDTV
The outcome of the election remains uncertain amidst economic struggles and rising violence. Inflation, exacerbated by floods in 2022, has worsened the economic situation for millions of Pakistanis. According to the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) based in Islamabad, violent incidents increased for the third consecutive year in 2023, resulting in the highest number of fatalities since 2017, including security personnel, militants, and civilians. Less than 24 hours before polling commenced, attacks on candidates’ offices in Balochistan province claimed over 28 lives.
The Election Commission of Pakistan has classified half of the 90,675 polling stations as either “sensitive” or “most sensitive” based on security concerns and electoral violence history.
