NetBlocks, an independent observer, has reported an internet blackout in multiple regions of Pakistan on Thursday as tens of millions of people headed for polling stations to elect a new government.

“Update: Real-time network data show that internet blackouts are now in effect in multiple regions of Pakistan,” it said in a post on X.

The development comes more than an hour after the caretaker government temporarily suspended mobile phone services in the country against the backdrop of terrorist attacks in Balochistan.

“As a result of the recent incidents of terrorism in the country precious lives have been lost, security measures are essential to maintain the law and order situation and deal with possible threats, hence the temporary suspension of mobile services across the country,” the interior ministry said in a message on X.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has announced that his party would move the Election Commission of Pakistan and courts against the decision.

The former foreign minister has already stated that there would be protests if the elections were rigged.

According to NetBlocks, the internet outage was reported Sharaqpur Sharif, Jalalpur, Pir Mahal, Talagang, Islamabad, Muzaffargarh, and Rawalpindi.

“The incident comes on election day and follows months of digital censorship targeting the political opposition,” it said.