The Punjab Home Ministry has announced that internet and mobile phone services will be temporarily suspended in 13 major cities on April 21 due to a by-election.
This decision aims to maintain public safety and prevent any potential unrest or disturbances during the electoral process. The cities affected by this suspension include Lahore, DG Khan, Gujrat, Sheikhupura, Sadiqabad, Chakwal, Talagang, Alipur, Zafarwal, Bhakkar, Kasur, Alipur Kot, and Chatta.
Prior to this, the Punjab government had already implemented Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in certain districts where the by-elections are taking place.
Section 144 is a legal provision that prohibits large gatherings, rallies, and certain activities that could pose a threat to public order and security. This measure will be in effect from April 18 to 22 in various districts, including Lahore, Kasur, Chakwal, and Gujarat, among others.
The Punjab Home Department has formally communicated its request for the suspension of mobile and internet services to the Ministry of Interior.
The primary objective behind this move is to prevent any potential misuse of communication platforms for spreading misinformation, coordinating illegal activities, or inciting violence during the by-election.
To ensure effective implementation of this temporary shutdown, the Punjab Home Department has reached out to key government officials and authorities.
They have sent formal letters and notifications to the Punjab chief secretary, the inspector general of police, and the chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The copies of the request have been dispatched to the Ministry of Interior, the commissioner, the Lahore capital city police officer (CCPO), and other relevant officers for coordination, monitoring, and enforcement of the suspension.
Regarding the by-election itself, it is scheduled to take place in 21 constituencies across the designated areas on April 21. The official campaigning period for candidates participating in the by-election concluded at midnight on the Friday preceding the election day.
This means that all electoral campaigns, rallies, and public outreach activities by the candidates must cease by this deadline.
The temporary suspension of mobile and internet services, along with the enforcement of Section 144, are precautionary measures taken by the Punjab government and relevant authorities to ensure a smooth, fair, and secure by-election process in the designated constituencies.
