Pakistan votes as mobile data cut, land borders closed

STORY: The move to suspend mobile networks sparked criticism from leaders of opposition parties, while some voters expressed frustration at the lack of mobile phone services during the vote. The network suspension also follows former Prime Minister Imran Khan's call to his supporters, who had clashed with security forces while protesting his arrest last year, to wait outside polling booths until results are announced.

The main contests are expected to be between candidates backed by Khan, whose Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party won the last national election, and the Pakistan Muslim League of three-time premier Nawaz Sharif, who is considered the front-runner.

Unofficial first results in the election are expected a few hours after voting closes at 5 p.m. (1200 GMT) and a clearer picture is likely to emerge early on Friday (February 9).