QUETTA: Residents of Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, are facing a growing crisis as essential services continue to deteriorate.
Mobile phone signals, especially from Ufone and Zong, have become almost nonexistent in areas like Eastern Bypass and its surroundings, despite the presence of mobile towers.
This has made communication extremely difficult, not just for households but also for business owners and professionals who rely on mobile connectivity and WhatsApp for daily operations.
Citizens complain that in today’s digital age, such poor mobile service is unacceptable, and blame the provincial government for failing to provide even the most basic technological facilities.
They say the lack of reliable communication is severely impacting all aspects of life and business, and warn that the government’s negligence is pushing the province back into the stone age.
In their frustration, residents have urged the Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, and the provincial government to take immediate notice of the situation.
Following the petrol shortage, power outages and poor mobile services have further worsened life in Quetta. Many areas have been experiencing power cuts throughout the night.
Locals from Eastern Bypass and nearby neighborhoods reported spending entire nights without electricity.
Haji Ubaidullah Agha, a well-known social worker and trader, told Buraq Digital that the city has been grappling with several days of poor mobile and WhatsApp service, severe petrol shortages—where even Iranian petrol is being sold at extremely high prices—and prolonged power outages in various areas.
He said that whenever residents raise their voices in protest, the issues seem to worsen instead of being resolved. He criticized the government for its apparent inaction, warning that such neglect may push people toward violent protests.
During peak summer heat, he added, children are suffering terribly due to the power cuts, while women are left praying for relief.
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Authorities blame security concerns for the mobile disruptions and the Iran conflict for the fuel shortage, but there is no clear excuse for the electricity crisis. Citizens are pleading with the government to show compassion and take practical steps to restore the power system instead of making hollow promises.
