Quetta, Dec 7:
Pakistani authorities have once again suspended mobile phone internet services in Quetta and several other parts of Balochistan, causing significant disruption for people who rely on the internet for work, education and communication, local media reported.
According to reports, mobile internet disruptions began in Quetta on Tuesday. Government officials said the decision was taken due to unspecified “security concerns,” as reported by The Balochistan Post. However, authorities have not clarified how long the restrictions will remain in place.
This latest suspension is part of a recurring pattern in Balochistan. In November, mobile phone internet services were suspended for three days in multiple districts, including Quetta and Chaman, again citing security reasons. The shutdown severely affected communication, business operations and daily activities across the province.
Sources in the Balochistan Home Department earlier stated that such measures were taken as “precautionary steps” based on intelligence alerts. Nevertheless, residents said they faced immense difficulties during the blackout, especially as many depend on mobile internet for essential services.
In October, the Balochistan government ordered the suspension of 3G and 4G services in Quetta for 24 hours due to a “peculiar law and order situation.” A formal letter sent on October 30 requested that federal authorities block mobile data services in the city on October 31, as reported by Dawn.
Similarly, in August, mobile data services were blocked across parts of Balochistan for “security reasons.” The repeated shutdowns triggered frustration among students, journalists, freelancers and business owners. Students attending online classes said they were unable to participate or submit their assignments, while professionals in Quetta, Turbat, Khuzdar and Panjgur reported that their livelihoods were halted due to the lack of connectivity.
Human rights groups have also criticised the frequent internet suspensions, warning that such measures disproportionately affect vulnerable communities and restrict access to information.
