[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja clarified that the restoration of internet and mobile services in Pakistan is contingent upon the absence of security threats. He emphasized that the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) bears no responsibility for the suspension of internet services, asserting that such decisions fall outside its jurisdiction.
Raja questioned the rationale behind attributing the restoration of internet services to the ECP, particularly in the presence of security concerns. He underscored the efficiency of the electoral watchdog’s result announcement system, reinforcing the notion that the ECP does not dictate matters related to internet connectivity.
Read more: Phone, Internet Services Halted In Pakistan During Voting
Earlier in the day, the Ministry of Interior took the preemptive measure of suspending mobile phones and internet services nationwide, citing security threats. The decision was framed as a precautionary step to safeguard public order during the ongoing polls.
In an official statement, Pakistan’s interior ministry justified the widespread suspension of mobile services as a means to uphold law and order and counter potential threats. The ministry pointed to recent attacks that resulted in loss of lives, underscoring the imperative of stringent security measures to mitigate risks and maintain stability.
Chief Election Commissioner Raja’s remarks highlight the separation of responsibilities between the ECP and security authorities. The ECP, focused on ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, stands distinct from security-related decisions, such as internet suspension, which are handled by relevant government bodies.
As the electoral process unfolds, the balance between ensuring a secure environment and facilitating essential communication services remains delicate. The suspension of mobile and internet services reflects the government’s commitment to preemptive measures aimed at preventing security incidents that could disrupt the electoral proceedings. However, the Chief Election Commissioner’s clarification underscores the importance of discerning between security measures and the independent functioning of the ECP in conducting fair and transparent elections.
In conclusion, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja’s statement underscores the ECP’s non-involvement in the decision to suspend internet and mobile services, emphasizing the need for such actions to be dictated by security considerations. As the electoral process continues, the delicate interplay between security measures and the facilitation of communication services will likely remain a focal point, with the overarching goal of conducting smooth and secure elections.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
