During the April 21–22 by-elections in Punjab and Balochistan, the federal government has chosen to temporarily halt cellphone service in a certain districts in an effort to preserve the security and integrity of the electoral process.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced in a statement that cellular services will be temporarily blocked for two days in specific districts of the two provinces in accordance with the Ministry of Interior’s directives.
The PTA stated, “This decision has been taken to safeguard the electoral process’s integrity and security.”
Punjab had earlier in the day asked the federal government to halt mobile internet service in all 13 districts and tehsils of the province on April 21 (tomorrow).
The goal of the proposal is to preserve the province’s state of law and order and prevent any unfavorable incidents.
The provincial home department asked for the suspension in a letter to the interior ministry because tomorrow is the day for by-elections in around two dozen national and provincial assembly constituencies.
