ISLAMABAD: In a bid “to safeguard the integrity and security of the electoral process”, the federal government has decided to suspend mobile phone services in certain areas of Punjab and Balochistan during the April 21-22 by-election period.
In a statement, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said that mobile phone services will be suspended for two days in certain areas of both provinces as per the orders of the Ministry of Interior.
“This decision has been taken to safeguard the integrity and security of the electoral process,” said the PTA.
Earlier, Punjab requested the federal government to suspend mobile internet services in 13 districts and tehsils from April 21 (today).
This request was made to maintain law and order and prevent untoward incidents.
While by-elections are scheduled to be held today in about 24 parliamentary constituencies, the provinces requested the interior ministry for the suspension.
The request has been made to suspend internet services in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sadiqabad, Kot Chutta and Dera Ghazi Khan areas.
Meanwhile, the tehsils where the suspension has been requested are Talagang, Chakwal, Kalar Kahar, Gujrat, Alipur Chatta, Zafarwal and Bhakkar.
