Balochistan: ECP official hints at communication shutdown at sensitive polling stations

QUETTA: Election Commissioner of Balochistan Farid Afridi hinted on Monday that communication services may be shut down at sensitive polling stations during the general election scheduled for February 8 amidst security concerns.

Afridi stated that all preparations for the elections have been completed and that all political candidates will be able to compete for 16 National Assembly seats and 51 provincial assembly seats from the province.

He also mentioned that the total number of polling stations in the province is 5,026, with 1,651 of them considered sensitive.

Afridi highlighted the deployment of over 51,000 polling officers and 31,000 law enforcement officials to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process.

The election commissioner provided details on the number of candidates contesting elections from each constituency in Balochistan. He stated that 429 candidates were competing for National Assembly seats, while 1,267 candidates were vying for provincial assembly seats.

Afridi also mentioned that political parties that have failed to comply with the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) designated quota for nominating women candidates will be scrutinised after the elections.

Earlier, the caretaker government in Balochistan has imposed a ban on rallies and electoral meetings in Quetta. The provincial government also announced suspension of internet service at sensitive polling stations on February 8.

The Caretaker Minister for Information and Public Relations Jan Achakzai said that the internet service will be temporarily suspended in Turbat, Mach and Chaman. The decision to suspend the internet service has been made for the safety of the citizens, Achakzai stated.