Internet and Mobile Services Suspension Not Under ECP’s Mandate

In response to the suspension of internet and mobile services, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja asserted that addressing this issue falls outside the “mandate” of the election regulator.

During discussions with journalists, the CEC emphasized the robustness of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) as an institution, highlighting that its operations are not dependent on the internet. In response to concerns about security in various areas, he questioned the necessity for the ECP to issue directives for the restoration of internet or mobile services.

Addressing the internet shutdown, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja clarified that the Election Commission of Pakistan would not instruct the interior ministry to resume services. He also mentioned that election results could be expected between 8 to 9 pm, providing insights into the Election Management System’s configuration with three workstations for provincial constituencies and four for national constituencies.