Due to security threats, the mobile services might be shut down on the 11th of May 2013 in Pakistan. Ishtiaq Ahmad who is the Secretary ECP informed earlier that mobile services will not face suspension on the Election Day. But recently he provided a hint that due to security threats, the mobile services might be shut down temporarily if security threats arise. People should get the information of their electoral area via sending SMS to 8300 prior to the Election Day. This way if the mobile services are suspended on the Election Day, they will already have the required information.
Rehman Malik who is the former interior minister, used to suspend the cellular services on certain occasions and the results were good enough. Making use of Rehman Malik’s formula, the interim Government might make use of suspension of cellular services to counter the security threats. Although Rehman Malik faced a lot of criticism from the general public but the results were good and many events where possible terrorism attacks were quite evident were countered effectively.
Interim Government is consulting about this issue and the discussion will finalize whether the cellular services be suspended on Election Day or not? If it is finalized that mobile services will be suspended, it is highly likely that it will be a 24 hours suspension starting from 7:00 AM on 11th of May 2013 till 12th May 2013 morning.
