QUETTA – Mobile internet services in Balochistan, including 3G and 4G networks, have been suspended since August 6 due to security concerns, cutting off millions from essential online services. Officials have announced that the internet suspension will continue until August 31.
The ongoing mobile internet blackout has disrupted the lives of students, freelancers, small business owners, food delivery riders, and women working from home. Authorities cite increased security risks in August, with militant attacks often rising around sensitive dates such as August 11, August 14 (Independence Day), and August 26. In 2024, similar incidents during this period resulted in over 30 fatalities.
Balochistan’s Weak Internet Infrastructure
Despite being rich in minerals, Balochistan remains Pakistan’s most underdeveloped province and suffers from the country’s lowest internet coverage. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, 60% of Balochistan’s land area has no internet access. In districts such as Mastung and Dera Bugti, mobile internet has been permanently blocked for years.
The province’s population is estimated at 15 million, with around 8.5 million mobile users. More than half rely solely on mobile data for internet connectivity. Landline internet, such as PTCL, is limited to urban areas, serving only about 70,000 subscribers. Since August 6, only those with cable or landline internet have stayed connected, leaving the majority offline.
Livelihoods Severely Impacted
The internet shutdown in Balochistan has taken a heavy toll on the local economy. Freelancers working with international clients have faced project cancellations, e-commerce ventures have stalled, and food delivery services in Quetta have been brought to a halt.
Shazia Khan, a freelancer from Quetta, said, “Most freelancers here have lost their work. Only those with landline connections can continue, but even that service is unreliable. Many women who work from home have lost their only income.”
Abdullah, a food delivery rider, shared that his household depends entirely on his earnings. “For the past week, I’ve been without work. I don’t know how I’ll pay rent or cover daily expenses,” he said.
According to Naseebullah, a food delivery company promoter, over 1,000 riders who previously earned Rs. 2,000–2,500 daily are now without income. “If this continues, our company may be forced to shut down operations in Quetta,” he warned.
