The Election Correspondence Cell of the PTI in Sindh has urged the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to restore internet services across the country, saying that it was a “brazen assault on democracy”.

In a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Sikander Sultan Raja, election cell incharge Barrister Ali Tahir said the internet shutdown raised “serious doubts about the ECP’s commitment to fulfilling its constitutional duties”.

“The pretexts provided by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for these internet blackouts are both flimsy and inadequate,” he asserted.

The statement further said, “The suspension of internet services on polling day represents a clear and brazen assault on democracy and the rule of law.”

“Please treat this as a note of protest and immediately order the restoration of [the] internet,” it added.