PAKISTAN STARTS VOTING, MOBILE PHONE SERVICES SUSPENDED

In an attempt to strengthen security during its national elections, Pakistan’s government has temporarily suspended mobile phone services.

This massive decision comes after militant attacks took place during the run-up to the election. Two blasts took place on Wednesday near the election offices in the country’s southwestern province of Balochistan. It killed 26 people.

Since the blasts, the Islamic State has claimed responsibility through a message on its Telegram channel. The group, along with the Islamist Pakistani Taliban and the separatist Baloch militants are against the Pakistani state.

The country’s Interior Ministry published a message on X, formerly Twitter, explaining the current situation.

“As a result of the recent incidents of terrorism in the country precious lives have been lost, security measures are essential to maintain the law and order situation and deal with possible threats, hence the temporary suspension of mobile services across the country.”

To add fuel to the tension, jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan urged his supporters to wait outside polling booths until the results are announced.

The army as well as paramilitary soldiers have also been called in to assist and are on high alert. The borders between Pakistan and Iran, as well as Afghanistan, were also closed for the day.

Results should be announced later today.

Image credit: Navi