Caretaker Interior Minister Dr Gohar Ejaz retires, the government may suspend internet service for February 8, noting it would be contingent upon requests from local or provincial authorities in response to security considerations.
In a press briefing held in Islamabad with Caretaker Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, Dr. Ejaz communicated, “Currently, there’s no plan to suspend internet services in any region.”
Addressing concerns about a potential internet shutdown on February 8, Solange asserted local administrations’ autonomy in such decisions based on law and order conditions, affirming that no incidents necessitating a shutdown had been reported.
Dr. Ejaz discussed the proactive efforts to ensure peaceful elections, observing positive electoral enthusiasm in Sindh and a peaceful rapport among political candidates in Balochistan. He emphasized maintaining lawfulness in Sindh, highlighting the mutual respect among parties.
Dr. Ejaz outlined a comprehensive security strategy involving three layers of protection, including commando deployment in Balochistan for quick action. “With the combined forces of police, civil armed forces, and the army, we aim to protect the nation’s sovereignty,” he stated.
With 90,777 polling stations nationwide, more than 40,000 are classified as normal, 20,985 as sensitive, and 16,766 as highly sensitive. Dr Ejaz detailed the deployment of seven to eight security personnel per polling station, with over 137,000 law enforcement officials mobilized. The Pakistan Army is set to act as a Quick Reaction Force (QRF).
Dr. Ejaz encouraged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s electorate, frequently impacted by terrorism, to vote on February 8, reaffirming the government’s dedication to citizen safety.
