The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed the temporary suspension of internet and mobile services in various parts of Balochistan. According to a statement issued by the PTA, the measure was implemented at the direction of authorities to maintain law and order in the region.
It is worth noting that, under a recent government decision, internet services have been completely suspended in areas such as Gwadar, Kech, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Ziarat, Kalat, Bolan, Dukki, Loralai, Harnai, Mach, and several other locations.
Authorities have cited security concerns as the reason for the internet shutdown, but no further details have been provided.
Sources suggest that during a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, a large-scale security operation was decided upon in response to the ongoing unrest in Balochistan. The suspension of internet and communication services appears to be part of this operation.
Impact on the Local Population
The internet shutdown has had a severe impact on local residents. Students in Khuzdar and Panjgur have expressed concerns that the lack of internet access is disrupting their educational activities, particularly online classes and research.
Local residents have described the suspension of internet services as a harsh measure, noting that it has significantly disrupted their daily lives. Business activities in the region have also been negatively affected, while students and others reliant on the internet are facing serious difficulties due to the restrictions.
Public Reaction
Students from the affected areas have criticised the internet shutdown, arguing that it will exacerbate the challenges they already face in pursuing their education, particularly for those relying on online classes and digital learning resources.
The suspension has also prompted questions about government policy, especially at a time when human rights violations in Balochistan are already under international scrutiny.
Concerns from Rights Organisations
Several political and human rights organisations, including the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) in Balochistan, have expressed concerns that the government may be using these measures to conceal state oppression and ongoing human rights abuses in the region. Such actions could also be an attempt to suppress local voices that utilise the internet to communicate with the international community.
In a press release, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee stated that incidents of enforced disappearances are rapidly increasing, while internet services have been shut down to prevent the reporting of these events. As most of Balochistan already suffers from a lack of internet and mobile data services, the suspension of data services across large areas appears to be a deliberate attempt by state authorities to censor information about human rights violations.
The BYC reported that 127 cases of enforced disappearances were recorded just last month, with this number rising significantly since the start of the current month.
These organisations have urged human rights bodies to question the government about these “inhumane and unconstitutional” actions and to oppose such measures.