ISLAMABAD: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja has categorically dismissed the possibility of communication and internet service outages on the polling day, February 8.
This statement came following a security meeting of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), addressing concerns amid a challenging security situation marked by a recent surge in terrorist attacks, particularly targeting political parties and their election gatherings.
The Election Commission convened to discuss comprehensive security arrangements and measures to handle any potential untoward incidents on the day of polls. CEC Raja, after the meeting, expressed the commission’s determination and preparedness to conduct the elections on schedule. He assured the nation that the security situation was under control with the presence of law enforcement agencies and Pakistan Army personnel.
Emphasizing the commitment to a peaceful electoral process on February 8, CEC Raja clarified that there were no plans to implement communication shutdowns, a measure previously used as a safety precaution.
He asserted, “There shouldn’t be a doubt about the conduct of polls on February 8.” In response to a question, CEC Raja mentioned that the Election Management System (EMS) of the ECP would function offline in case of any internet disruption.
Simultaneously, Sindh caretaker Information Minister Ahmed Shah clarified that no decision had been made to suspend internet and communication services in the province on February 8.
The caretaker government in Sindh expressed readiness for the upcoming elections and outlined security arrangements, including the deployment of police, Rangers, and army personnel at polling stations.
With less than a week remaining until the polls, security measures have been heightened nationwide to ensure law and order. Despite ongoing election preparations and campaigns, the country faces concerns due to a series of violent incidents, leading to multiple casualties, particularly at political rallies in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The recent attacks, including those on independent and political party candidates, underscore the challenges in maintaining security during the election period.
