Elections 2024: Internet and Mobile Services May Be Suspended on February 8

A proposal has been presented to suspend mobile and internet services in sensitive areas on 8th February, the date of Pakistan’s General Elections 2024. This proposal came up during a meeting of the ECP where the law and order situation in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was brought to light.

Following the meeting, CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja said in a media statement that anyone trying to disturb the polls and spoil peace will be dealt with severely. He reiterated that there should be no confusion or misconception and the General Elections 2024 would take place as planned. CEC Raja noted that terrorism is one of the major threats to the electoral process.

In spite of security issues, Sikandar Sultan Raja assured that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is ready to conduct the elections on February 8th, believing in the competence of law enforcers. Reports by local news outlets state that there was a proposal to suspend internet and mobile services in sensitive locations during the General Elections 2024.

Moreover, the meeting focused on the security issues of election candidates. CEC Sikandar Sultan Raja raised his concerns about the increasing assaults on political meetings in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.