People raise concern over communication blackout in Pakistan’s Balochistan

Pakistan’s Balochistan faced a second day of mobile and internet disruptions amid security concerns, affecting residents and businesses. Financial services were also suspended in Nushki, while Baloch rights activists accused authorities of restricting communications and gatherings ahead of Independence Day observances

Quetta: People have voiced concerns over the communication blackout as authorities have suspended mobile and internet services in Quetta and various other parts of Pakistan’s Balochistan for a second consecutive day due to looming security threats, local media reported on Tuesday, citing sources within the Home and Tribal Affairs Department.

The basic mobile network signals were partially restored in some areas while internet services remained fully disrupted in several areas, resulting in residents being unable to access essential digital communication, leading Pakistani daily The Express Tribune reported.

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In addition to the communication blackout, all commercial and financial services have stopped operations in Nushki district on August 5. The financial blackout is expected to last until August 31, resulting in people unable to access financial services.

Local trade and business operations in Balochistan have been disrupted due to the closure of financial institutions without prior notice. Government workers and retired personnel were unable to draw their monthly salary to buy basic groceries or medicines, while students are unable to pay for tuition or living expenses.

Local business owners and residents have voiced concerns over the dual shutdowns and urged authorities and banking officials to resume services so that people are able to access financial and communication services, The Express Tribune reported.

Last week, leading Baloch human rights defender Mir Yar Baloch accused the Pakistani military of making every possible effort to disrupt public gatherings and Independence Day events of Balochistan scheduled for Tuesday.

He stressed that the people of Balochistan remain resolute and refuse to submit to repression by Pakistani authorities or comply with the Section 144 restrictions imposed across the province.

Balochistan is observing the 79th Independence Day on Tuesday, continuing an annual tradition that defies what Baloch human rights groups call Pakistan’s “illegal occupation” of the region. The Baloch struggle for independence has significant historical origins, starting in 1947 when the princely state of Kalat made a short-lived declaration of independence following the partition of British India.

Nevertheless, in 1948, Pakistan forcibly annexed the region, a move that has continually been opposed by Baloch nationalists. Taking to social media platform X, Mir alleged that the “occupying” Pakistani forces had imposed sweeping restrictions in Balochistan, including an internet shutdown from August 7 to August 30, in an effort to prevent national celebrations.

He asserted, however, that no deployment of additional Pakistani troops, military assets or air power could indefinitely maintain Pakistan’s presence in Balochistan against the determination and resolve of the Baloch people.

“The Republic of Balochistan rejects attempts to characterise the Baloch people as militants or separatists. The Baloch freedom fighters constitute the Defence, Security Forces, and military of Balochistan, enjoying the confidence and endorsement of the sixty million Baloch people. The Baloch masses place their trust in these forces because they are sons and daughters of the same soil and serve the interests of their own nation,” Mir stated.

“These forces are not fighting for financial gain, nor are they engaged in creating unrest or spreading violence. They are carrying out their national duty: safeguarding peace and security, protecting the people, and laying the foundation for a peaceful, prosperous, and developed Balochistan,” he added.

He further claimed that operations carried out by Baloch armed groups are aimed at “dismantling and expelling Pakistan’s alleged terrorist networks”, which they hold responsible for “instability, insecurity, and violence” across Balochistan.