Quetta, Aug 14 — The Balochistan High Court (BHC) has admitted for hearing a petition challenging the suspension of mobile phone and internet services across much of the province. Notices have been issued to the provincial home department and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), directing them to appear on August 15.
The petition, filed by Balochistan’s Consumer Civil Society, comes after authorities suspended mobile internet services in most districts, including Quetta, on August 6, citing security concerns. The blackout is expected to continue until August 31. Petitioners argue the suspension has severely disrupted education, business, and travel communication.
Local residents, traders, students, and political leaders have condemned the move, calling it damaging to the economy and daily life. Students have been unable to attend online classes or prepare for competitive exams, while e-commerce operations and digital financial services remain paralyzed. Journalists and government employees also face difficulties, with social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook inaccessible.
Business leaders, including Abdul Rahim Kakar, Hazrat Ali Achakzai, and Mir Yaseen Mengal, warned that the shutdown is causing daily economic losses, especially for those dependent on online platforms. JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza has demanded a Senate debate, terming the matter one of urgent public importance.
Freelancers and entrepreneurs in Quetta, Turbat, Khuzdar, and Panjgur report their livelihoods have been brought to a standstill. One business owner said, “Our entire work depends on the internet; this shutdown has pushed us to the brink of financial collapse.”
Media outlets have been hit hard, with journalists calling it an “information blackout.” Human rights groups have denounced the move as a violation of civil liberties, stressing it undermines citizens’ rights to education, economic activity, and access to information.
