Pakistan Telecommunication Authority today evening issued the service suspension directive to all five cellular companies and PTCL for its wireless services.
Orders said that cellular and wireless services are to remain suspended in Sindh, effective immediately, i.e. 7PM today till 5PM tomorrow.
However, PTA soon issued another email directive to telcos asking them to not to suspend the service till further orders.
Cellular companies confirmed ProPakistani the recipient of both the letters and said that MoITT and PTA should give ample time to cellular companies in getting the services go offline.
Cellular companies said that PTA’s letter – asking service suspension from 7PM – was received at 7:11 PM in the evening.
Cellular companies said that first directive had hinted the possible service closure in other provinces, including Punjab, KPK, Baluchistan and Gilgit Baltistan.
Industry had already anticipated the service suspension on Election day, but they had requested the authorities to get service suspended in sensitive areas only and not in entire Pakistan.
Mobile phone suspension can take whole of Pakistan in darkness on a crucial day when mobilization of masses is critical.
It merits mentioning here that 8300 service — through which voters can get details of their polling station — will also be impacted in case of service suspension.
