Mobile internet services suspended across Balochistan amid security concerns

Mobile internet services have been suspended in several districts of Balochistan, including the provincial capital Quetta, due to security concerns, provincial authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) said that the suspension has been enforced in various areas as part of precautionary measures. Affected districts include Kohlu, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Loralai, Ziarat, Qila Saifullah, Nushki, and Harnai.

The move follows a rise in militant activity in the region in recent months. Balochistan, along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has experienced increased violence since 2021 following the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan.

Last month, a member of the Balochistan Constabulary was martyred and three others injured in an attack on a convoy belonging to the acting Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in Mastung.

In a separate incident, Major Syed Rabnawaz Tariq of the Pakistan Army was martyred in Awaran district during an attack reportedly carried out by Indian-backed militants.

On the same day, unidentified gunmen opened fire on a passenger coach en route from Karachi to Quetta, killing at least three people and injuring seven others in Kalat.

Despite these incidents, data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) in June indicated a slight decline in overall militant attacks nationwide.

The Islamabad-based think tank recorded 78 militant incidents resulting in 100 fatalities—53 security personnel, 39 civilians, six militants, and two peace committee members. At least 189 others were injured, including 126 security personnel and 63 civilians.

According to PICSS, June saw an 8% decrease in attacks and a 12% drop in fatalities compared to May, although injuries rose slightly. In total, violence and counter-operations caused 175 deaths during the month.