The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s decision comes amid rising terrorism-related incidents in the region

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced on Friday that mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended in certain areas of Balochistan to “ensure public safety.” The suspension follows a series of escalating terrorist incidents in the province, which has seen a marked rise in violence over the past year.

On November 9, a suicide bombing at Quetta Railway Station killed 26 people and injured 62 others. This attack was just one of several targeted assaults, including a bomb explosion on September 26 that injured a dozen people, including two policemen. Local authorities have linked some of these incidents to insurgent and extremist groups operating in the region.

The PTA’s announcement did not provide specific details about which areas are affected by the mobile internet suspension or how long the disruption will last. However, the move comes as part of a broader security strategy aimed at mitigating the threats posed by terrorism, crime, and smuggling.

A government official stated that the decision was made under the directives of authorized departments, with the goal of maintaining public safety in areas where security forces are actively engaged in counterterrorism operations. The suspension of mobile internet services is seen as a precautionary measure to limit the ability of terrorist groups to coordinate attacks using online communication tools.

In response to the increasing security concerns, the Balochistan government has been working on a provincial action plan to strengthen governance and security. Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan briefed the provincial cabinet on Wednesday about a comprehensive strategy designed to tackle terrorism, organized crime, and extortion. The proposed plan will also focus on enhancing law enforcement capabilities and improving coordination between various security agencies in the region.

While mobile internet suspensions are not uncommon in areas experiencing conflict, the PTA’s decision underscores the severity of the current security situation in Balochistan. The region, which has long struggled with insurgency and sectarian violence, has become a focal point for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts.