Pakistan held its general election amidst heightened security measures, including the suspension of mobile phone services and the closure of some land borders, following deadly militant attacks.
The interior ministry justified these steps after explosions near electoral candidates’ offices in Balochistan claimed 26 lives, with Islamic State claiming responsibility.
Thousands of troops were deployed, and borders with Iran and Afghanistan were temporarily shut.
Militant attacks during the election resulted in the deaths of at least five people.
Four policemen were killed in a bomb blast and firing in Dera Ismail Khan, while gunmen opened fire on a security forces vehicle in Tank, resulting in one death.
Despite grenade attacks reported in Balochistan, polling remained unaffected.
Amidst security concerns and cold weather, long queues formed at polling stations ahead of voting.
Critics, including opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, condemned the suspension of mobile networks, calling for their immediate restoration and intending to approach the Election Commission and courts.
Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja stated that the decision to suspend mobile networks was made by law enforcement agencies, and the commission would not intervene.
The election occurs amidst economic crisis and political polarization, with analysts foreseeing no clear winner.
Source-ArabNews
