Balochistan Mobile Internet Suspended Again
Mobile Internet Suspended Again in Balochistan Over Security Concerns
QUETTA – Mobile internet services have once again been suspended in Balochistan, just a week after they were restored on the orders of the Balochistan High Court (BHC).
Sources in the provincial Home Department confirmed the move, citing security concerns as the reason behind the renewed suspension. The decision has drawn frustration from the public, particularly students, professionals, and small business owners who depend heavily on internet connectivity for studies, work, and communication.
The disruption is especially troubling in a province where many rely on WhatsApp for everyday calls. Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest province by area, has around 8.5 million cellular subscribers out of a population of nearly 15 million.
The suspension is already facing legal scrutiny. Earlier this week, the BHC admitted a constitutional petition challenging the ban and issued notices to the Attorney General of Pakistan and the provincial Advocate General. The case is being heard by a two-member bench headed by Chief Justice Rozi Khan Barrech and Justice Sardar Ahmad Haleemi.
The petition, filed by Consumer Society Chairman Khair Muhammad Shaheen, argues that shutting down mobile internet is a violation of fundamental rights. He told the court that the suspension has disrupted education, daily life, and commercial activities, and was imposed without solid justification.
The court has directed authorities to submit a written reply by August 15, warning that failure to do so could result in federal and provincial officials, including the interior and telecommunications secretaries, being summoned in person.
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