Cell phone, mobile internet services partially restored in Pakistan: Interior Ministry

KARACHI, Pakistan

Pakistan’s telecom authorities partially resumed cellular phone service Thursday evening, hours after crucial general elections ended, according to the Interior Ministry.

Service was suspended across the country early Thursday ahead of the polls to “ensure peaceful elections” in the backdrop of recent "terrorist attacks," including 51 suspected militant attacks Thursday.

Pakistan was hit by a series of bombings that killed at least 29 in southwestern Balochistan province Wednesday.

But soon after polling ended, the Interior Ministry said cellphone service had been restored in parts of northeastern Punjab, southern Sindh and Balochistan provinces.

“Mobile phone service has been partially restored in different parts of the country. The service will be fully restored in the country soon,” it said.