PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has said that mobile phone services in the country must be restored “immediately”.

He further said that he has asked the party to approach the Election Commission of Pakistan and the courts in this regard.

Shortly before polling began, mobile phone signals were shut down “temporarily” at the interior ministry’s directives over security issues, prompting criticism from politicians and journalists.

In a statement, the ministry said, “Recent surge in terrorist activities resulting in precious lives have stirred security environment in the country.”

Therefore, it added, “need has arisen to take measures to safeguard against” security threats.