The federal government, in a bid to uphold the integrity and security of the electoral process, has announced the temporary suspension of cellular services in specific districts of Punjab and Balochistan during the by-elections scheduled for April 21 and 22.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) revealed in a statement issued on April 20 that, upon directives from the Ministry of Interior, cellular services will be halted in designated districts of the two provinces for a duration of two days.

“This decision has been taken to safeguard the integrity and security of the electoral process,” emphasized the PTA.

Earlier on the same day, the provincial administration of Punjab submitted a formal request to the federal government seeking the suspension of mobile internet services in 13 districts and tehsils of the province on April 21, the day of the by-elections.

The request, forwarded by the Punjab Home Department to the Ministry of Interior, aimed at maintaining law and order across the province during the electoral process and to prevent any untoward incidents from occurring.

As per the letter submitted by the provincial authorities, the suspension of mobile internet services is specifically requested for districts including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Sadiqabad, Kot Chutta, and Dera Ghazi Khan. Moreover, tehsils such as Talagang, Chakwal, Kallar Kahar, Gujarat, Ali Pur Chatha, Zafarwal, and Bhakkar are also included in the request for service suspension.

The by-elections, planned for April 21, are scheduled  to occur in 21 constituencies, covering both National and Provincial Assembly seats. This includes five National Assembly seats, 12 Punjab Assembly seats, and two each in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan assemblies.