Jan Achakzai, the Caretaker Information Minister of Balochistan, has made a significant announcement ahead of the General Elections on February 8, 2024. In response to a terrorism alert, Achakzai revealed that internet services will be temporarily suspended around critical polling stations across the province.
This precautionary measure aims to mitigate potential security threats, with areas like Turbat, Mach, Chaman, and other key regions expected to be affected by the internet shutdown.
Achakzai emphasized that the caretaker government’s top priority is the safety of civilians, citing concerns that terrorists might exploit social media platforms to incite violence during the elections.
Furthermore, the Balochistan government has already implemented restrictions on public gatherings and election-related meetings as a preemptive measure. Achakzai pointed to heightened security risks and the presence of a suspected female suicide bomber in Balochistan’s governmental seat as reasons for these actions.
While the suspension of internet services remains localized to specific areas in Balochistan, Murtaza Solangi, Caretaker Information Minister of Pakistan, clarified that there are no directives to suspend mobile or internet services nationwide on polling day. Solangi assured that any law-and-order situations arising during the elections will be addressed by local administrations accordingly.
Amidst these security measures, both Balochistan and the central government in Islamabad reaffirm their commitment to conducting the elections as scheduled, underscoring the importance of democratic participation and the nation’s continuity.
