Mobile phone services suspended across Pakistan as voting starts

_{Photo: AFP}

Pakistan took the step of temporarily suspending mobile phone services on Thursday to bolster security during the national election, according to the country's interior ministry. The decision came amid a surge in militant attacks leading up to the election. A day prior, imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan urged his supporters to remain at polling booths after voting until the results were announced.

The interior ministry explained the move by stating, "As a result of the recent incidents of terrorism in the country, precious lives have been lost, security measures are essential to maintain the law and order situation and deal with possible threats, hence the temporary suspension of mobile services across the country."

The security concerns were underscored by two blasts near election offices in Balochistan on Wednesday, resulting in the tragic loss of 26 lives. The Islamic State (Daesh) claimed responsibility for these attacks on its Telegram channel. Other groups, including the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and Baloch separatists, have also targeted the Pakistani state in recent months.

Pakistan has heightened its security measures, deploying tens of thousands of troops and paramilitary soldiers across the nation, particularly at polling stations. Additionally, the country announced the closure of its borders with Iran and Afghanistan for the day, citing security reasons.

Unofficial results from the election are anticipated shortly after voting concludes at 5 pm (1200 GMT), with a clearer picture emerging early on Friday. The main competition is expected between candidates supported by Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) led by three-time premier Nawaz Sharif.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the 35-year-old son of former premier Benazir Bhutto, has also run an assertive campaign for the top office. Analysts speculate on the possibility of no clear winner, with the powerful military potentially playing a decisive role, although the military has asserted its non-interference in politics.

The political landscape has witnessed a reversal of roles since the last election in 2018, with Imran Khan now perceiving a military crackdown on his party, while analysts suggest Sharif enjoys military support.

The electoral outcome may shape the response to various challenges, including seeking a new bailout program from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the current one expires in March. Smaller political parties may hold key positions in the formation of a government, requiring 169 seats in the 336-member National Assembly. Independents, often supported by Khan, could influence the balance after the vote, as Khan has stated his candidates will not support Sharif or Bhutto Zardari. The economic challenges ahead are described as serious and grave, making stability and effective governance crucial for Pakistan's future.

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