PTA temporarily shuts down mobile, internet in Balochistan

QUETTA: In light of the recent surge in terrorist attacks in several districts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the government has decided to suspend mobile and internet services.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced on Friday that the suspension of internet and mobile services was implemented to ensure public safety. These services have been suspended with immediate effect in multiple districts.

Recently, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have experienced a series of terrorist attacks, and in the past three months alone, over 70 people have lost their lives, with many others injured in these attacks across various parts of Balochistan.

According to authorities, on November 9, a suicide bombing at the Quetta Railway Station killed 26 people and injured 62 others.

“The general public is hereby informed that, under the directives of the relevant departments, mobile and internet services have been temporarily suspended in certain areas of Balochistan,” said Friday’s statement.

However, PTA authorities did not specify which areas in Balochistan had been affected by the suspension.

Reports indicate that mobile and internet services were suspended in several areas, including Makran, Awaran, Chagai, Kharan, parts of Khuzdar, Kalat, Bolan, Harnai, Duki, and other regions where terrorist attacks have occurred recently.

“To ensure public safety and security, mobile and internet services have been suspended,” the PTA statement said.

In response to the increasing security concerns, the Balochistan government has decided to develop a provincial action plan aimed at significantly enhancing governance and security across the province.