Syed Ali Shah:Â
Quetta, 13 August 2025 — The Balochistan High Court has issued notices to the Advocate General of Balochistan and the Attorney General of Pakistan, directing them to file detailed replies on the ongoing suspension of mobile internet services across the province.
The directives came during a hearing of a petition filed by Khair Muhammad, Chairman of the Consumer Civil Society of Balochistan. In his petition, he argued that mobile internet is now a basic mode of communication for businesses, students, educational institutions, and daily life. He contended that the indefinite suspension of services has severely disrupted education, halted business activities, and violated fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 9, 15, 18, 19-A, and 25 of the Constitution of Pakistan.
Internet Is The Basic Right
Khair Muhammad told the court that the provincial government had suspended mobile network and internet services without providing any plausible justification. He emphasized that the shutdown has not only affected the business community and freelancers but has also deprived students and educational institutions of essential learning tools.
The court noted the seriousness of the matter and ordered the respondents to submit para-wise comments before the next hearing. It warned that if no replies were submitted, the Secretary of the Ministry of Interior and the Secretary of Information Technology and Telecommunication, Government of Pakistan, would be required to appear in person on the next date.
The case is scheduled for further proceedings on 15 August 2025.
The ongoing suspension, which began on 6 August 2025 due to reported security concerns, has left millions in Balochistan without access to mobile internet, sparking frustration among citizens and raising concerns about its economic and social impact.
