Internet outages
THE government has hinted at the possibility of suspending internet services in some places today due to ‘security’ concerns, once more raising alarm among the people. Pakistan has recently witnessed several internet disruptions, often during online events hosted by the PTI, with the government presenting flimsy excuses such as a coincidental software upgrade of the PTA. Mobile internet suspensions were previously reserved for specific security reasons, for instance, during Muharram processions in certain areas; never have they been so broadly applied, certainly not during election season. While the recent uptick in violence is most unfortunate, as noted in the editorial above, beefing up security and increased patrolling in sensitive areas should take precedence over measures such as internet shutdowns. The very prospect opens a Pandora’s box of issues. It begs the question of how the transmission of election results will be affected. While the ECP has provided assurances that their new Election Management System can operate offline over a ‘private network’, its reliability remains a matter of concern given the 2018 RTS debacle. The PTA’s announcement that it has received no instructions regarding an internet shutdown, offers a glimmer of hope; however, one cannot help but take it with a grain of salt.
Internet disruptions ripple through the economy, affecting everything from small businesses to major corporations that depend on uninterrupted internet access. The digital economy faces billions in losses with each outage. Such disruptions also infringe on the rights of access to information, freedom of expression, assembly, and association. Amnesty International has called for uninterrupted internet access, highlighting the fundamental role of digital communication in modern democracies, while the Sindh High Court’s directive to ensure smooth internet underscores the judiciary’s recognition of its importance. The government and the ECP must ensure internet availability, recognising that it is not a luxury but a necessity. The credibility of the polls and the trust of the people are at stake.
Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2024
Balochistan blasts
THE prologue to today’s national polls has been a blood-soaked one. Yesterday, just a day before people were to cast their votes to elect the next government, two deadly blasts rocked Balochistan, causing almost 30 fatalities. In the first incident, a blast occurred outside an independent candidate’s election office in Pishin; the second targeted a JUI-F election office in Qila Abdullah. Both towns are located in Balochistan’s Pakhtun belt. In fact, Balochistan and KP have been hit the hardest by terrorist violence, which picked up pace as the polls drew nearer. Several actors are involved in militancy, including religiously inspired groups such as the banned TTP and its offshoots, and Baloch separatist outfits. On Monday, 10 police personnel were martyred when militants struck a police station in KP’s Dera Ismail Khan. Balochistan, meanwhile, has been rocked by dozens of grenade attacks across the province, targeting candidates and their supporters. Pakistan had already been dealing with a fresh wave of militancy, and poll-related violence has only worsened the precarious security situation. At one time, rumours were circulating that the polls might be put off, at least in the militancy-hit areas, as candidates were killed and political activities targeted. That did not come to pass, though the administration’s crucial test remains today: to ensure violence-free polls.
While extremist groups have no truck with democracy, Baloch separatist outfits are doing the people of Balochistan no service by forcefully denying them the right to peacefully choose their representatives. It is essential that countrywide, candidates are able to campaign in a peaceful atmosphere, and people are able to cast their ballots without the fear of violence on polling day. While in past decades, violence occurred mostly between supporters of different parties, since at least the 2008 election cycle it has been militancy that has been playing a spoiler in the democratic process. Unfortunately, even this time around, while the caretaker administration has been more than active in areas beyond its brief, it has largely failed to perform one of its core tasks: ensuring a peaceful pre-poll atmosphere. The interim Balochistan chief minister has urged people not to be scared and to come out and vote today. That should be the message echoing loud and clear from the entire administrative set-up, assuring the people of Pakistan of a violence-free election day.
Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2024
People’s voice
THERE is a hush today in the corridors of power. A higher force stirs. The time is at hand for the people of Pakistan to speak and for others, in nations near and far, to bear witness to their decision. This electoral cycle has been unlike any in recent memory.
At stake are not only the continuity and evolution of the country’s crisis-ridden political system but also the foundations of its social contract. With the country at a crossroads, 128m voters have been handed the power to decide which path it should take forward. It is hoped that most will exercise it today in any one of the more than 92,000 polling stations nationwide.
Thousands are contesting for the 266 National Assembly seats, and thousands more for a seat in one of the provincial assemblies. By tonight, hopefully, we will know whom the voters have chosen to trust.
It is important that everyone make themselves heard. Our freedoms and choices may be limited, but the only lawful means to improve our lot is by voting in sound and capable leaders who are best suited to representing us in parliament. This right should not be foregone.
Exercising the vote is not merely a civic duty; it is an assertion of one’s freedom, a declaration of agency, and a reaffirmation of one’s belonging to this nation. We are fortunate to have this right, which has been earned through the sacrifices of generations past.
This election has been a silver lining throughout the tumult that has lately roiled Pakistan. For months, the people have been looking forward to having a say in who ought to be making executive decisions on their behalf. Despite many apprehensions, they have held on to the belief that their right to choose will make a difference. Today, as this right is exercised, the public’s will must be respected by all without qualifications or limitations.
The ballot box is not merely a receptacle for pieces of paper. It is the crucible in which millions of Pakistanis place their aspirations, grievances and dreams as they renew their contract with the state. It is important that the state respects this trust and facilitates the exercise in every manner.
The tragic loss of life in Balochistan yesterday has cast a pall of gloom. As indicated in the editorial below, the state must take every measure to ensure citizens’ security today and guarantee that the polling exercise will be held in a safe environment.
Given that they are being held after considerable delay, it is important that voters are able to participate freely in these elections, which must be concluded to the public’s satisfaction. History awaits our people’s verdict. The state should not falter or fail them in this defining moment.
Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2024