QUETTA: Mobile internet services were fully restored across the provincial capital on Thursday evening, ending an approximately seven-hour-long suspension that paralyzed daily life and business activities. The blackout, imposed by the Balochistan Home Department on security grounds, commenced in the late morning, leaving students, professionals, traders, and ordinary citizens grappling with widespread digital disruption.
The suspension, communicated as a necessary but temporary measure, was linked to specific security concerns. Officials stated it was a precautionary step taken to maintain public order. However, the abrupt cutoff created immediate and significant challenges across multiple sectors. Digital transactions and online banking services ground to a halt, directly impacting traders, small businesses, and individuals reliant on mobile wallets. Educational activities were severely disrupted as students and teachers, dependent on online resources and communication platforms, found themselves cut off.
The media industry also faced operational hurdles, with journalists unable to file reports, verify information, or access online sources in real time. The halt in connectivity underscored the city’s deep dependence on digital infrastructure for basic communications, commerce, and information flow.
Citizens expressed deep frustration over the recurring nature of such suspensions and their broad impact. “Everything from paying bills to accessing study material and running a small online business stops completely,” said a local university student. “It feels like the city is shut down.” Traders reported losses due to interrupted transactions and an inability to process digital payments from customers.
Following the restoration of services, officials appealed for public understanding, reiterating that the measure was temporary and dictated solely by security imperatives. “The suspension was a proactive step for public safety. We thank citizens for their patience and assure them that services are restored as soon as the security situation is reassessed and deemed stable,” a Home Department spokesperson stated. The incident has sparked renewed debate on the need for more nuanced security protocols that minimize collateral damage to the digital economy and daily civilian life.
