ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication was told on Monday that internet services in Balochistan’s Panjgur district remain suspended as intelligence agencies have withheld security clearance for the next six months.
Officials from the Ministry of Interior clarified that terrorists from the banned Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) are not using Pakistan’s official internet infrastructure but alternate systems.
During the committee meeting chaired by Federal Minister Aminul Haque, it was noted that a formal request for security clearance was made on March 22 but was denied citing security concerns without detailed justification.
Committee member Pauline Baloch expressed concern over the prolonged shutdown, describing it as a punishment to the region and questioned the prospects of resolution within six months.
Separately, the committee praised Pakistan’s cybersecurity efforts for successfully defending against cyberattacks during recent tensions with India. Chairman Aminul Haque commended the National CERT and cybersecurity teams for repelling attacks and launching counteroffensives.
The committee was also briefed on “Beep,” a secure government communication app under development for federal employees, featuring voice and video conferencing and enhanced security measures. A high-level committee is overseeing its rollout.
