Qaseem Shah:
Quetta – August 15, 2025: The Balochistan High Court has directed the provincial government to immediately restore mobile phone networks and data services in areas where no security threats exist, following a province-wide suspension earlier this month.
The order came during a hearing on a petition filed by Khair Muhammad against the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Government of Balochistan. The court noted that while mobile networks were suspended citing security threats linked to a religious procession, government officials admitted such threats were confined to “specific areas” only.
Chief Justice Rozi Khan Barrech and Justice Sardar Ahmed Haleemi observed that a blanket suspension until August 31, as per the earlier government notification, was unjustified for the entire province. The bench instructed the government to reconsider its decision and resume mobile services in all safe zones immediately.
During proceedings, the court also addressed the temporary suspension of public transport services. The Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Home had confirmed the halt but failed to provide a reason. The court ordered the provincial government to withdraw the suspension of public transport across Balochistan without delay.
The matter is scheduled to be taken up again on August 21, 2025.
