HRCP demands immediate restoration of cellular and internet services

LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has demanded the immediate restoration of cellular and internet services across the country on Thursday.

In a statement, the HRCP said: “The ongoing disruption to services has occurred despite the Sindh High Court’s direction to the caretaker government to ensure uninterrupted internet services on polling day. With the P[akistan] T[elecommunications] A[uthority] claiming it has received no instructions from the government to block internet services, there is a worrying lack of transparency about where, when and how long the disruption will continue, thereby affecting voters’ right to information and potentially the transmission of results. Those who gave this order must be identified and held responsible.”

Several politicians including Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari demanded restoring internet services. Bilawal said that suspending cellular services will cast doubt on the integrity of the entire election process.

He instructed his party to move the high court and Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in this regard.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) have filed an application with the ECP to extend the polling time.

While thanking supporters, PTI member Omar Ayub said that voters should be supported in exercising their right to vote.

The Interior Ministry suspending cellular services over security fear following series of militant attacks across Pakistan on eve of the general election.