The caretaker government in Pakistan will consider shutting down internet connections on polling day Thursday only if requested by a district or province, said interim Interior Minister Dr Gohar Ejaz on Tuesday.So far, there has been no decision to suspend internet services anywhere. The caretaker government will consider shutting down connections only if requested, The News International quoted Dr Ejaz as saying at a press conference with caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi.Dr Ejazs announcement is significant as just a day earlier, Solangi had dismissed the possibility of an internet shutdown on 8 February. Local administrations can decide on shutdowns based on law and order, but no such situation has been reported yet, Solangi said Monday.#WATCH | Delhi: On the Pakistan Parliamentary Elections, Former High Commissioner of India To Pakistan, Ajay Bisaria says From all accounts, these elections on 8th February are not just the most predictable, but also the most rigged, because its clear for everyone in Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/XT0Btbvb2Q— ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2024Earlier Sunday, caretaker Balochistan Information Minister Jan Achakzai announced temporary internet restrictions at sensitive polling booths in the province on polling day.Dr Ejaz said Tuesday the government was working towards peaceful elections without loss of life. The election atmosphere in Sindh is excited with no apparent enmity between parties, he said, adding he saw no tensions between candidates in Balochistan either.Meanwhile, the Sindh High Court (SHC) Tuesday upheld its stay order directing authorities to provide uninterrupted internet including mobile internet across Pakistan until 8 February elections.The hearing was adjourned to 21 February as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority lawyer did not appear. Independent candidate and rights activist Advocate Jibran Nasir filed the SHC petition against frequent internet suspensions ahead of general elections.
