Jan Achakzai, the Caretaker Information Minister of Balochistan, has announced the temporary suspension of internet services around critical polling stations in the province for the General Elections scheduled on February 8, 2024. Achakzai stated that this decision was made in response to a terrorism alert and as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of the voting process. The suspension of internet services will primarily affect regions such as Turbat, Mach, Chaman, and other areas within the province.
Achakzai emphasized that the caretaker government’s foremost priority is to protect the well-being of civilians. He expressed concerns that terrorists might exploit social media platforms to incite violence during the upcoming general elections. In addition to the internet suspension, the Balochistan government has imposed limitations on public gatherings and election-related meetings as a preemptive measure. Achakzai cited heightened danger and the presence of a suspected female suicide bomber in Balochistan’s governmental seat as reasons for this decision.
Regarding internet suspension in other areas, Caretaker Information Minister of Pakistan Murtaza Solangi clarified that the government has not issued any directives to suspend mobile or internet services nationwide on polling day. He stated that if any law-and-order situation arises anywhere in the country on polling day, the local administration will handle it accordingly.
Solangi urged individuals to exercise their voting rights with careful consideration, underscoring that such participation reflects their patriotism and commitment to the country’s democratic continuity. Despite security challenges, both the Information Minister and the central government in Islamabad have affirmed that the elections will proceed as scheduled on February 8th.
