PPP, PTI urge ECP to restore internet amidst rigging concerns

ISLAMABAD: In a bid to address mounting concerns over the suspension of internet services during the ongoing elections, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has submitting an application to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The application highlights the adverse impact of the internet shutdown on the electoral process, stressing that the inability to access vital polling station information is disenfranchising voters. The PPP contends that immediate action is imperative to mitigate these disruptions.

PML-N alleges voter disruptions in NA-128, PTI responds

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reiterated the urgency of the situation on social media platform X, demanding the immediate restoration of mobile phone services nationwide. Bhutto underscored his party’s commitment to pursuing all available avenues, including engaging with the Election Commission and the judiciary, to address the issue.

Additionally, the PPP has reached out to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, expressing profound concern over the suspension of mobile phone services on polling day. In the letter, the party emphasises the critical importance of upholding citizens’ rights and ensuring the conduct of free and fair elections.

In a parallel development, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Election Coordination Cell has also petitioned the ECP to address the suspension of internet services. Barrister Ali Tahir, head of the PTI Election Coordination Cell in Sindh, speaking to media stressed the fundamental rights of citizens and called for the immediate restoration of internet services across the country.

CEC shares security concerns amid internet suspension

Earlier in the day, Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja had said that the internet services have been suspended as a security precaution during the general elections. He said, “If the internet services are restored and there is a terror incident, who will be responsible?”