The Government of Pakistan on August 29 directed the suspension of mobile internet services across the entire province of Balochistan on August 30 and September 6, citing security concerns and law and order challenges.
According to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, the decision was taken in light of “peculiar law and order situation and existing threat alerts.” The order mandates that all 3G and 4G services remain jammed across Balochistan on the specified dates, with exceptions made for a list of “white-listed” numbers communicated to telecom operators from time to time. The notification requested immediate compliance to “avoid any untoward incident.”
September 6 holds particular national significance as Defence Day, an occasion commemorated every year to honour the armed forces’ sacrifices in safeguarding Pakistan. Traditionally marked with parades, ceremonies, and public gatherings, the day also heightens security alerts across the country.
The measure, however, reflects growing concerns over security in the province, where mobile communication blackouts have often been enforced during sensitive occasions or public gatherings. Earlier in August, mobile internet services were suspended across all 36 districts of Balochistan before August 14, the Independence Day of Pakistan.
Such suspensions have, however, repeatedly drawn criticism from civil society and digital rights groups, who argue that they disrupt daily life, affect businesses, and undermine citizens’ right to access information.
