Internet and mobile services will be suspended in 13 major cities during Pakistan’s by-elections on April 21.
The Punjab Home Ministry has officially announced the suspension, affecting cities including Lahore, DG Khan, and Gujrat.
Following the ministry’s request to the federal interior ministry to suspend internet services on election day. Additionally, the Punjab government has enforced Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in several districts from April 18 to 22 to maintain order during the elections.
The by-elections will involve 47 candidates competing for five National Assembly seats and 16 Provincial Assembly constituencies. 237 candidates are contesting for 21 seats across the National and Provincial Assemblies.
The elections also include seats in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan Assemblies. According to an Election Commission of Pakistan official, Aseefa Bhutto Zardari has already been elected unopposed for NA 207.
