QUETTA: The provincial leadership of the Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party (PkNAP) has strongly criticized repeated internet shutdowns in Balochistan.
In a joint statement, provincial president Nasrullah Khan Zary and provincial secretary Faqir Khushal Kasi called the shutdowns “extremely concerning, irresponsible, and anti-people.”
They said the disruptions have severely affected education, business, and social life across the province. They demanded the immediate restoration of internet services in Quetta and all other areas.
The PNAP leaders stressed that in the 21st century, internet access has become a basic human, educational, and economic necessity. Universities, schools, research centers, businesses, banking, e-commerce, media, and public communication all rely on online connectivity.
They alleged that citizens in Pashtun and Baloch regions are deliberately being denied these essential services, causing widespread hardship.
The statement highlighted the impact on students, whose online classes, research, and exams are disrupted, wasting valuable time. Businesses have also suffered, as trade, online transactions, digital marketing, banking, and daily operations are paralysed.
PNAP warned that internet shutdowns not only harm the economy and education but also violate fundamental human rights. They contrasted Pakistan with other nations, where governments invest in fast and reliable internet for citizens.
The party demanded immediate restoration of services, compensation for economic and educational losses, and a halt to such “illegal and unconstitutional” measures in the future.
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PNAP warned that if shutdowns continue, citizens will raise a strong public voice against these injustices.
