Pakistan
Cellular services were suspended in parts of the Punjab and Balochistan provinces on 21-22 April 2024 because of by-elections in 21 constituencies held on Sunday, 21 April.
According to the the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), which regulates the Internet, the decision was taken per the direction of the interior ministry. Reports suggest the PTA announcement came hours after the Punjab government requested the interior ministry to suspend mobile phone services during by-elections in Talagang, Chakwal, Kallar Kahar, Gujrat, Ali Pur Chatha, Zafarwal, Bhakkar, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Lahore, Sadiqabad, Kot Chutta, and Dera Ghazi Khan.
Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the ability of citizens to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country, or in other countries. We encourage all governments to #KeepItOn.
It’s difficult to measure the effect of local/regional Internet shutdowns as most measurements are done at a country level.
Polling began on April 21 national and provincial seats in the by-elections in Pakistan amidst tight security and suspension of cellular and internet services in specific districts of Punjab and Balochistan to maintain law.https://t.co/FWkIiA2G28
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) April 21, 2024
PTA has announced that cellular services will be temporarily suspended in specific districts across Punjab and Balochistan on April 21st and 22nd during the upcoming by-elections. #pta #declares #internet #shutdown #punjab #Balochistan #elections pic.twitter.com/ou8lwcLHAy
— Trendy Pakistan (@trendypakk) April 21, 2024
Pakistan to suspend cellular services in Punjab, Balochistan during Sunday’s by-polls — Arab News
By-elections: Govt suspends mobile, internet services — AAJ
Mobile, Internet Services Temporarily Suspended in Punjab and Balochistan During By-Elections — Pakistan Press Foundation