Ministers defend suspension of mobile phone, internet services on election day

Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz has said the nation has no idea about the kind of threat Pakistan and the intelligence agencies were facing on the election eve.

Talking about the decision of closing down mobile phone and internet services on election day, Gohar Ijaz said “Not just proactively, not just through sacrifices, they are always looking to ensure the security of the people […] I am responsible for this.”

Addressing a joint news conference with Information Minister Murtaz Solangi in Islamabad on Friday afternoon, Gohar Ijaz said “Even if one incident took place, thousands of lives would have been lost. In my opinion, the 12-hour-long difficulties we faced are worth it.”

“The armed forces, Levies and police have played their role. I am confident that the election commission will also fulfil its role,” he added.

The minister felicitated the entire nation over peaceful conduct of the elections despite several security challenges. He said the government made quick decisions to cope with terrorism threat during the elections.

Gohar Ejaz said protecting precious lives of the people was our foremost priority during polling process therefore we temporarily suspended the mobile phone service.

He said our each and every step and decision was aimed at ensuring the national security and we remained successful in this regard. He said we need to be united at the moment in the best interest of the country.

Gohar Ejaz said the government and entire nation are also proud of its armed forces, police and law enforcement agencies for ensuring safe and secure environment during the elections.

He expressed the hope that the new government would try its level best for the development and prosperity.

Speaking on the occasion, Murtaza Solangi said the government successfully served the purpose of conducting free and fair elections in the country.

He claimed that neither internet services nor social media platforms were blocked yesterday. “The suspension of internet services was not introduced in Pakistan, it has happened in the US, Britain and even our neighbouring country,” he stated. “No one has fought terrorism as much as we have.”