The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of Pakistan, Sikandar Sultan Raja, addressed the media outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) building in Islamabad, asserting that the general elections were conducted with 100% transparency. He expressed confidence that the election results would be accepted by all individuals and parties.

Raja emphasized that the election process was transparent and peaceful, with uninterrupted polling allowing all citizens to cast their votes. Regarding the closure of telephone and internet services in certain areas, he explained that presiding officers in affected regions would personally deliver Form 45 to the returning officer (RO). These forms would be uploaded to the Election Management System (EMS) once the services were restored.

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The CEC noted that ROs were required to announce results by 2 am on Friday, with the possibility of earlier announcements if feasible. He mentioned that extensions could be granted upon request from ROs, citing an example where time was extended at three polling stations in Gujarat.

Responding to concerns about the closure of mobile phone and internet services due to security threats, Raja clarified that the ECP’s mandate did not include issuing directives for their restoration. However, he assured that the internet shutdown would not affect the ECP’s systems and readiness.

Raja explained that the decision to shut down mobile phone and internet services was made by security institutions in response to recent terrorism incidents in Balochistan. While the ECP could make recommendations, it could not interfere in security matters or issue directives for service restoration. Raja stated that he learned about the closure of these services through the media and reiterated the ECP’s commitment to fair and transparent elections, urging voters to freely exercise their democratic rights.