Pakistan Elections: Counting of Votes Underway, Cellular Services Partially Restored in Some Areas

The Pakistan interior ministry restored cellular services partially in some parts of the country. The ministry suspended mobile phone and internet services during the polling period citing security concerns. The Pakistan interior ministry said cellular services have been restored in Bhakkar, Sargodha, Taxila, Gujar Khan Chakri, Loralai, Sibi, Jhal Magsi and all of Sindh except Malir and Karachi.

The decision to suspend cellular and internet services were criticised by Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claiming that it affected the turnout and was a violation of people’s rights.

The caretaker government said it was a preventive measure because of the rise in terrorist activities. The caretaker government led by Pakistan caretaker prime minister Anwaar Ul Haq Kakar speaking to a UK-based news outlet accepted that the caretaker government could not hold the polls freely and fairly.

The Election Commission assured that the suspension of internet services will not affect the counting of the votes.

“I want to clarify that our operations are not reliant on the internet. The electoral process started on time, and we remain satisfied with the ongoing proceedings. Despite minor issues, our teams swiftly resolved grievances in a short time,” Pakistan chief election commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja said, highlighting that the internet suspension will not lead to delay in compilation of election results.

He said the elections were conducted in a “seamless and flawless” manner and he was content with the execution of the elections, even though there were allegations of rigging, electoral fraud and attacks on cadres and political workers.

Several polling booths reported clashes, rigging and PTI and PPP alleged rigging and attacks on their candidates.

Counting is underway across the country and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) is being tipped to win the elections as experts predict they have the blessings of the army.

The PTI, dealt a blow with the Pakistan apex court which deprived them of their bat symbol, went into the elections backing independent candidates – who were actually their candidates fighting under different symbols.

PML-N’s Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Rana Sanaullah, PPP’s Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and JUI-F’s Maulana Fazlur Rehman – all members of the former PDM coalition – have slender leads.