The 19-year-old dreamt of competing abroad, and said she wanted to be like Ronaldo and Messi
world3 days ago
Pakistan's caretaker Interior Minister Gohar Ejaz on Tuesday indicated about the possible suspension of the internet access in case of security issues in any area on the day of elections which is February 8, while Amnesty International called for uninterrupted access during the polling process, Pakistan-based Dawn reported.
Ejah said that Pakistan's caretaker government will consider suspending the internet service on February 8 only if it receives a request from a district or province considering the security situation. He made the remarks while addressing a press conference along with Pakistan's caretaker Information Minister, Murtaza Solangi, in Islamabad.
He said that Pakistan's caretaker government had so far not taken any decision regarding suspension of internet access on election day and added that any such decision will only be made after a request from a province or district concerned, according to Dawn report.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
He said, "Before taking any such decision for a specific area, the government would look into the nature of the threat as it is necessary to block the online communication of terrorists."
Earlier on February 5, Solangi ruled out the possibility of an internet shutdown on election day. He said that local administrations had the authority to make such a decision considering the law and order situation and no such situation had so far been reported.
Meanwhile, Balochistan's caretaker Information Minister Jan Achakzai said that the internet service will remain temporarily restricted in the sensitive polling booths in the province on the election day, according to Dawn report.
Amid a controversy over the plan to use the new Election Management System (EMS) in the elections, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) had announced that the system will work offline even in case of disruption in internet access.
Human rights group Amnesty International has written an open letter urging Pakistan authorities to guarantee uninterrupted internet access for everyone throughout the polling process, Dawn reported.
In the letter, Amnesty International stated: "We, the undersigned organisations and members of the #KeepItOn coalition -- a global network of over 300 organisations from 105 countries working to end internet shutdowns -- appeal to you, Prime Minister Mr Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar and Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, to publicly commit to ensuring that the people of Pakistan have unfettered access to the internet, social media platforms, and all other communication channels throughout the upcoming general election on February 8, 2024."
Amnesty International noted that as the people of Pakistan prepare to vote, authorities must adopt and prioritise measures that advance human rights by enabling unrestricted access to information and avenues for freedom of expression, assembly, and association--both offline and online." According to Dawn report, the organisation said, "This will also contribute to an inclusive, free, and fair election process."
ALSO READ:
The 19-year-old dreamt of competing abroad, and said she wanted to be like Ronaldo and Messi
world3 days ago
Hochstein's mission marks a last-ditch attempt by the outgoing US administration to clinch a ceasefire as diplomacy to end the Gaza war appears totally adrift
world3 days ago
This will be his first visit since the beginning of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia around three years ago
world4 days ago
The changes state that any conventional attack on Russia, aided by a nuclear power, could be considered to be a joint attack
world4 days ago
The country launched a probe in March 2021 into WhatsApp's privacy policy, which allowed data sharing with Facebook and its units, sparking global backlash
world4 days ago
This time around, Trump wants the Senate to give up that gatekeeping role and allow him to make 'recess appointments'
world5 days ago
Police allege the offences took place between 2001 and 2019 against 8 victims; the youngest was 17 at the time of the offence
world5 days ago
The two countries have a mutual defence treaty dating back to 1951, which could be invoked if either side came under attack, including in the South China Sea
world5 days ago