Ijaz Kakakhel Islamabad
Caretaker Interior Minister Dr Gohar Ijaz on Tuesday clarified that there have been no plans to shut down mobile or internet services on February 8, the day of the general election.
However, the government would consider suspending the internet services on election day only if it gets a request from a district or province in view of the security situation. Talking to journalists, the interior minister said that in light of the security situation, any requests from districts or provinces to suspend internet services will be carefully reviewed and considered.
“So far, there has been no decision made regarding the suspension of internet services at any place,” said the minister, who was flanked by caretaker Information Minister MurtazaSolangi.
A day earlier, Solangi turned down the possibility of an internet shutdown on February 8, saying that local administrations have the authority to decide on an internet shutdown in light of the law and order situation, however, he stressed that no such situation has so far been reported. On Sunday, caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai announced that the internet service will remain temporarily restricted in the sensitive polling booths in the province on election day.
Ejaz, while talking about the law and order situation today, said that the government was making efforts to hold peaceful elections without any loss of lives. He mentioned that over 137,000 security personnel will be deployed across the country for election security, with at least 7 to 8 officials responsible for enforcing law at each polling station.
GoharIjaz said that they do not want to see law enforcement in Sindh taking matters into their own hands, reassuring that armed forces, paramilitary forces, and police are present in Sindh.
The Interior Minister stated that voting is a right, and people should cast their votes freely without fear, warning against any forces trying to destabilize the country. The minister further said that he did not see any tension between the candidates in Balochistan during his visit. He said that we do not want to take the law into our hands in Sindh, “The parties contesting the polls in Sindh have known each other for years.” The interior minister said that the government will provide security in three layers. “The commandos will be deployed in Balochistan to respond in the shortest possible time,” he said.
