Pakistan has implemented a temporary suspension of internet and mobile phone networks during yesterday’s general election, held on February 8th, in an effort to prevent potential violence. This move by the government, as captured by NetBlocks, an organization monitoring internet shutdowns, illustrates a sustained attempt to silence opposition voices in the country over the past few months.
The 2024 Pakistani election has been marred by political turmoil since the dissolution of the parliament in 2022. However, due to unresolved political issues concerning former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who faced a vote of no confidence and is currently imprisoned, the election could not be held in 2023.
At the time of writing, the vote counting process has just begun, and the outcome of the election remains unknown. Nonetheless, the implementation of internet blackouts and mobile network disruptions on election day adds another layer of complexity to an already contentious political landscape, further fueling concerns about digital censorship targeting the political opposition.
The aforementioned actions raise significant concerns about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. Suspending communication channels during elections restricts access to vital information and hinders free expression, depriving citizens of their right to participate fully in the democratic process.
TLDR: Pakistan enforced a temporary suspension of internet and mobile phone networks during the recent general election, causing disruptions across the country. This move is seen as an attempt by the government to suppress political opposition, following months of digital censorship. Concerns about the fairness and transparency of the election continue to loom large.
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