QUETTA: Mobile internet services have been restored in various districts of Balochistan, including Quetta, after a six-day suspension, though 3G and 4G services remain offline in some areas. The shutdown was enforced due to security concerns amid an ongoing military operation against Fitna Al Hindustan militants.
The announcement came via a press conference yesterday morning led by Assistant to the Chief Minister of Balochistan for Media Affairs, Shahid Rind, and Additional Chief Secretary Home, Hamza Shafqat. They were joined by provincial ministers and assembly members. Rind confirmed that mobile internet service in Quetta would resume from yesterday evening, following a review of the security landscape.
The internet blackout, initiated six days ago, was part of broader measures to support military actions against militant groups. Authorities stated that the step was necessary to prevent the use of digital platforms for coordinating attacks or evading security forces. While the restoration marks a gradual return to normalcy, the suspension of high-speed data services in certain districts underscores ongoing operational sensitivities.
Residents in Quetta welcomed the move, citing difficulties in daily communications and business operations during the blackout. “It was challenging, but we hope for full restoration soon,” said Mariam Baloch, a university student. Officials, however, emphasized that security remains paramount. The military operation against Fitna Al Hindustan has intensified, with forces targeting militant strongholds in remote areas.
During the press conference, Rind acknowledged public inconvenience but defended the shutdown as a critical tool for ensuring safety. “We are committed to restoring all services as soon as conditions permit,” he said. Additional Chief Secretary Hamza Shafqat added that the government is continuously assessing the threat level to make informed decisions.
The partial restoration suggests cautious optimism, but authorities have not provided a timeline for when 3G and 4G services will be fully reinstated. The situation remains fluid, with security operations expected to continue in the near term. The Balochistan government has urged citizens to cooperate with security forces and report any suspicious activities to aid in maintaining peace.
