Internet services in Balochistan have been suspended amidst an ongoing military operation at the request of authorities.
During a Senate Committee on IT and Telecom meeting, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (Retd.) Hafiz Rahman confirmed the internet shutdown.
He informed the committee that a letter was received from the Ministry of Interior requesting the suspension of internet services in Balochistan due to security concerns related to the ongoing military operation.
The PTA chairman clarified that the decision to suspend internet services was made to avoid any disruption to the operation. He further stated that this measure was taken solely to stabilise the security situation, ensuring the military action proceeds effectively while safeguarding public safety.
The PTA emphasized that the internet suspension is temporary and that services will be restored as soon as the security situation improves.
Recently, internet services have been completely suspended in various areas, including Gwadar, Kech, Panjgur, Khuzdar, Ziarat, Kalat, Bolan, Dukki, Loralai, Harnai, and Mach.
This development follows a high-level meeting chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, where the government decided to conduct a large-scale security operation in light of the ongoing unrest in Balochistan.
It is worth noting that internet shutdowns are a controversial measure, particularly at a time when human rights violations in Balochistan have already drawn global attention.
Political and human rights organisations in Balochistan have expressed concerns that such measures aim to conceal state oppression and human rights abuses in the region. They also worry that this move is an attempt to suppress local voices that rely on the Internet to reach international communities.