With the start of polling process for general elections 2024 on Thursday morning, internet and mobile phone services were suspended across Pakistan, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

A spokesman of Interior Ministry confirmed that mobile and internet services was temporarily stopped in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Karachi and other cities for security reasons citing recent wave of terror threats in the country.

In a statement, the ministry said, “Recent surge in terrorist activities resulting in loss of precious lives have stirred security environment in the country.”

Therefore, it added, “need has arisen to take measures to safeguard against” security threats.

Owing to suspension of mobile phone and internet services, voters were facing problems in locating their polling booths.

Yesterday Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) assured the countrymen that there will be no suspension of internet and mobile phone services on the polling day.

The PTA had pledged that services will remain active throughout the day on February 8, 2024.

The spokesman claimed provision of seamless internet connectivity on this crucial day, allowing for uninterrupted communication and access to information for the electorate and the public.

Reporter Ahmad Mansoor