Pakistan has suspended mobile calls and data services as citizens head to the polls to vote in a new government.
An interior ministry spokesman said the measure was warranted, citing recent incidents of terror in the country.
A statement from the interior ministry said “precious lives have been lost” in recent militant attacks and such “security measures are essential to maintain the law and order situation and to deal with potential threats”.
At least 28 people were killed in twin bomb blasts outside candidates’ offices on Wednesday, 7 February, in attacks claimed by the Islamic State group, and two candidates have been shot dead in the lead-up to the vote.
The election comes almost two years since the previous prime minister, cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, was ousted in a no-confidence vote.
Pakistan’s authorities regularly cut access to mobile phones during major protests or during festivals when religious tensions rise, to prevent militants from communicating with each other.
Jammers are also used to prevent bombs from being triggered via mobile phones.
Internet and social media access has been disrupted several times during the election campaign, coinciding with opposition online livestreams.
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