Internet and phone access cut off as voting begins in Pakistan elections 

As Pakistan braces for a pivotal election, mobile services have been temporarily halted as a precautionary measure due to recent terror incidents, according to an interior ministry spokesman. 

This move coincides with the aftermath of the ousting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan through a no-confidence vote nearly two years ago. 

The current ballot features three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, amid concerns from analysts about the credibility of the election. 

While calls and data services are suspended, WiFi appears to remain operational.

Justifying the move, an Interior Ministry spokesman said, “As a result of the recent incidents of terrorism in the country, precious lives have been lost. Security measures are essential to maintain law and order situation and to deal with potential threats”.

On Wednesday, two blasts killed 28 people in the restive Balochistan province. The country remains on high alert and polling stations across Pakistan are being heavily guarded.