Punjab Govt Recommends Suspending Mobile, Internet Services in 13 Districts During By-Elections

The Punjab Interior Ministry has recommended suspending mobile and internet services in 13 districts during the April 21 by-elections to maintain law and order. The affected districts include Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Talagang, Kallar Kahar, Gujrat, Sadiqabad, and DG Khan.

The Punjab government has also imposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in the constituencies where by-elections are being held, including Lahore, Kasur, Chakwal, and Gujarat. The by-elections are scheduled for April 21 and will be held for 5 seats in the National Assembly and 16 seats in the Provincial Assembly across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan.

The Punjab Interior Department has written a letter to the Federal Interior Ministry requesting the suspension of mobile and internet services to maintain law and order during the by-elections. A total of 47 candidates will be contesting for the 5 National Assembly seats, while 16 Provincial Assembly constituencies are also up for grabs.

The suspension of services is aimed at preventing any untoward incidents and upholding security during the electoral process. The Home Department has formally requested the Ministry of Interior, the Punjab chief secretary, the inspector general of police, and the chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to take necessary action to implement the suspension effectively.

Why this matters: The suspension of mobile and internet services during elections is a significant move that can impact the flow of information and communication among voters, candidates, and election officials. It highlights the government's concerns over potential security threats and the need to maintain law and order during the electoral process.

The Election Commission of Pakistan has also banned media coverage of the transfer of election material to polling stations, as the windows of the RO office were broken during the general election, and the delivery of polling material was disrupted due to media coverage. The Election Commission will release the footage of the delivery itself to ensure a peaceful and transparent election process.

Key Takeaways

• Punjab govt recommends suspending mobile, internet in 13 districts for by-elections
• Section 144 imposed in constituencies holding by-elections in Punjab, KP, Balochistan
• 47 candidates contesting for 5 NA seats, 16 PA seats in by-elections
• Suspension aims to prevent incidents, ensure security during electoral process
• ECP bans media coverage of election material transfer, to release own footage