ISLAMABAD: The Interior Ministry announced the partial restoration of mobile phone services in various parts of the country as the nation awaits the results of the crucial 2024 elections.
In a statement on X, the ministry specified that cellular services have been reinstated in areas including Bhakkar, Sargodha, Taxila, Gujar Khan Chakri, Loralai, Sibi, Jhal Magsi, and all of Sindh except Malir and Karachi.
The ministry also indicated in another post that mobile phone services would soon be restored nationwide. Earlier in the day, the ministry had announced the suspension of mobile phone and internet services across Pakistan to maintain law and order during the 2024 elections.
This decision was attributed to recent terrorism incidents, with the ministry emphasizing the need for security measures to handle potential threats.
Despite the temporary disruption, the daylong polling process concluded peacefully, with active participation from voters of all age groups. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) reported that the polling, which took place simultaneously across the country from 8 am to 5 pm, was conducted smoothly. Voters present at polling stations at the closing time were allowed to cast their votes.
The ECP stated that over 128 million registered voters participated in the elections, casting votes for candidates vying for 265 seats in the National Assembly and 590 seats in provincial assemblies.
The elections covered 855 constituencies out of 859, with exceptions due to the death of candidates in NA 8, PP 266, PK 22, and PK 91. As the nation awaits the results, the partial restoration of mobile services brings some relief for communication in the post-election period.
