Balochistan government has temporarily suspended mobile internet services across all 36 districts of the province from November 10 to 16, while travel on the Loralai section of National Highway N-70 has also been restricted for all transport services until November 14. The provincial home department stated that the decision follows a security alert and is intended to manage the prevailing situation. While the restriction applies to rural areas throughout the province, Quetta district is officially exempt; however, reports from residents indicate that many parts of the city have also experienced intermittent signal disruptions, causing difficulties in accessing internet services.
The suspension of transport along the Loralai section of N-70 affects taxis, private vehicles, and intercity travel, though local intra-city traffic is permitted to allow residents to meet daily needs. Officials have instructed all district administrations, law enforcement agencies, and relevant authorities to ensure immediate implementation of these measures and to make alternative arrangements for the public where possible. Citizens have been advised to check official travel advisories before planning journeys along the Loralai route to avoid inconvenience.
In addition to internet and transport restrictions, educational institutions in Quetta Cantonment remained closed on Wednesday, with authorities announcing that schools and colleges in the area will continue to remain closed from November 12 to 16 due to security considerations. Some government schools in other parts of Quetta, however, remained operational. These measures follow previous temporary suspensions, such as the 24-hour internet outage in Quetta on October 31, which were also implemented in response to security concerns.
The ongoing disruptions highlight the challenges faced by residents in Balochistan amid the heightened security situation, where militants involved in a low-level insurgency have increased the frequency and intensity of attacks in recent months. Internet outages and shutdowns in Pakistan have also had significant financial implications. A report published in January noted that Pakistan experienced the highest financial losses globally in 2024 due to social media and internet service disruptions, totaling $1.62 billion, exceeding losses in countries affected by prolonged civil unrest such as Sudan and Myanmar. These repeated service suspensions underscore the broader impact on connectivity, education, and commerce in affected regions.
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