ISLAMABAD: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has urgently called for the immediate restoration of internet and cellular services nationwide.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, the HRCP emphasized that the ongoing disruption of services contradicts the Sindh High Court’s directive to the caretaker government to ensure uninterrupted internet services on polling day.
Expressing concern over the lack of transparency surrounding the suspension of services, the HRCP highlighted the potential impact on voters’ access to information and the transmission of election results. Despite the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) claiming no instructions from the government to block internet services, the situation remains uncertain.
Nighat Dad, a lawyer and founder of the Digital Rights Foundation, condemned the suspension of mobile and internet services as an infringement on the democratic rights of Pakistanis. Dad stressed that shutting down communication channels is not a viable solution to national security concerns and could exacerbate chaos by limiting access to information.
The Interior Ministry cited security concerns as the reason behind the nationwide suspension of mobile phone services. However, this action has severely affected the Election Commission of Pakistan’s text messaging service, which voters rely on to confirm their polling station, leading to a complete shutdown of ECP services.
