Qaseem Shah:
Quetta: The Balochistan government has directed the suspension of 3G and 4G mobile internet services across the province on August 30 and September 6, 2025, citing security threats and law and order concerns.
According to an official notification issued by the Home Department, the decision has been taken in light of “peculiar law and order situations and existing threat alerts.” Internet services will remain jammed throughout the province on the mentioned dates to avoid any potential untoward incidents.
The blanket shutdown, however, is expected to create severe challenges for the public. Students preparing for examinations, businessmen relying on digital transactions, and freelancers working online will all be affected. Consumers from different walks of life, including journalists and healthcare professionals, have also expressed concerns over the disruption, stressing that the suspension of internet hampers education, trade, and essential communication.
Critics argue that while security is a legitimate priority, repeated internet shutdowns in Balochistan deepen the digital divide and isolate the province further from the rest of the country. They have urged the government to adopt more balanced measures that ensure both public safety and uninterrupted connectivity.
