Balochistan suspends mobile, internet services on Pakistan Day over security concerns

QUETTA: Authorities in Balochistan suspended mobile phone and internet services on Pakistan Day, citing security concerns, as the shutdown coincided with a political rally in Pishin district organised by the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP).

Telecom shutdown across the province

The provincial government ordered the suspension of mobile and internet services across Balochistan on March 23, Pakistan Day, as part of security measures. The decision was taken in view of potential threats on the national holiday, which traditionally sees heightened security arrangements across the country.

PkMAP rally in Pishin

The telecom suspension in Pishin coincided with a rally led by PkMAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai. The political gathering was attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), making it a significant cross-party event in the province.

The presence of senior political figures from both PkMAP and PTI at the rally in Pishin drew attention, as the gathering took place amid the province-wide communications blackout imposed by the Balochistan government.

Security situation in Balochistan

Balochistan has frequently witnessed the suspension of mobile and internet services on occasions such as national holidays, religious events, and during times of heightened security alerts. The province has long grappled with security challenges, and authorities have routinely resorted to telecom shutdowns as a precautionary measure to prevent potential incidents.

The suspension of communications services on Pakistan Day is not uncommon in the province, where security forces remain on alert during major public events and national celebrations. Such shutdowns are typically aimed at disrupting potential coordination among militant groups that have been active in various parts of Balochistan.

The convergence of the telecom suspension with a major political rally led by Achakzai, featuring PTI leadership and the sitting chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, added a political dimension to what the provincial government described as a security-driven measure. The rally in Pishin, a district in northern Balochistan, underscored the continued political activity in the province despite the communications restrictions imposed by the authorities.