Internet service to provided uninterruptedly throughout the country: PTA

Internet service will be provided uninterruptedly throughout the country during the general elections, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) affirmed on Wednesday.

The statement from the PTA arrives at a crucial time as a lot of speculations are doing rounds on social media regarding the fact that the internet service will remain suspended on the day of the elections.

PTA refuted speculations of internet suspension during the general elections, scheduled to take place tomorrow, Feb 8.

In the statement, the authority maintained that it has been said that the government of Pakistan will not shut down the internet on election day and no instructions have been received from the government regarding the internet shutdown.

PTA spokesperson expressed the authority’s commitment to maintain seamless internet connectivity on the crucial day of polls to allow users to have uninterrupted communication and access to information for the electorate and the general populace.

On the other hand, Caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai announced on Sunday that the internet service will remain temporarily restricted in the sensitive polling booths in the province on election day.

According to him, internet access will be restricted in the lead-up to the elections in regions including Turbat, Mach, and Chaman, as the areas latest to witness a terrorist attack in the province.

“Ensuring the safety and security of ordinary citizens is of utmost importance, as there is a concern that terrorists may exploit social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and other similar channels for communication purposes,” Achakzai maintained.

Meanwhile, the caretaker government has hinted at suspending internet services on Feb 8 polling day.

After caretaker Minister of Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi turned down the possibility of an internet shutdown on February 8, Caretaker Interior Minister Dr Gohar Ejaz on Tuesday said that the government would consider suspending the internet services on February 8 only if it gets a request from a district or province given the security situation.