Amidst the democratic fervor in Pakistan, the nation has opted to suspend mobile communications and data services, casting a technological veil as citizens flock to the polls to cast their votes in anticipation of a new government.
A spokesperson from the interior ministry defended this measure, attributing it to recent acts of terror that have plagued the nation. This pivotal election unfolds nearly two years after the removal of the erstwhile Prime Minister, Imran Khan, following a vote of no confidence.
Nawaz Sharif, a three-time Prime Minister, finds himself on the ballot, marking what analysts dub as Pakistan’s most dubious electoral event to date. Khan, now restrained by corruption charges and ineligible to run, adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape.
The suspension extends beyond conventional voice and data services, enveloping the electoral atmosphere in an unusual quietude, leaving only Wi-Fi networks operational.
Expressing dismay, a voter conveyed to the BBC their shock at this decision, emphasizing the importance of facilitating voters rather than subjecting them to impediments. Another citizen anticipated a comprehensive communication shutdown, echoing the sentiments of numerous Lahoris who found themselves unable to secure transportation or coordinate with family members due to the internet blackout.
Justifying this drastic move, a spokesperson from the Interior Ministry pointed to recent acts of terrorism that claimed lives, underscoring the necessity of stringent security measures to uphold law and order and counter potential threats.
The specter of terrorism looms large, as evidenced by two bomb blasts claiming 28 lives in Balochistan province just days before the election.
Criticism against the shutdown was not limited to the general public; Bilawal Bhutto Zadari, scion of the late ex-Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, urged an immediate restoration of services. Bhutto, also a contender for the top position, revealed that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had petitioned the election commission and the courts for the swift reinstatement of communication services.
The nation, gripped by tension, witnesses a formidable security presence at polling stations nationwide, with armed guards stationed at entrances and military personnel patrolling the surroundings. The closure of border crossings with Afghanistan and Iran, encompassing both cargo and pedestrian traffic, serves as an additional security measure during the polling period.
As the voting deadline approaches at 1700 local time (1200 GMT), stringent rules surrounding election coverage persist until 23:59 local time on Thursday, leaving the timing of result announcements uncertain but mandating disclosure within two weeks of the vote.
Past instances of internet service suspension for information control are not unprecedented in Pakistan’s history, yet the extent of this shutdown during an election is unparalleled.
Reports from a polling station in Multan reveal female polling agents being denied access to booths, thereby preventing them from observing the voting process – a departure from the customary practice of providing female agents with seats inside the booths.
In Lahore, the corridors of a school in Naseerabad witness dozens of voters enduring extended wait times, some exceeding two hours. Meanwhile, in the Ichhra area, Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam make their entrance to vote under tight security, surrounded by officers forming a protective ring, and a jeep equipped with antennas to disrupt phone signals.
The electoral journey unfolds against the backdrop of black cars lining the area, leaving Mr. Sharif to assert his belief in the fairness and freedom of the ongoing election when questioned.