ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that the suspension of internet services in Balochistan was due to security concerns.
Responding to a call-attention notice in the Senate, the minister clarified that no one wants to suspend services unnecessarily, but such steps are taken when security threats arise.
He informed the House that internet services were ordered to remain suspended in Balochistan from August 6 to 31 because of security reasons. However, he said flight operations, train services, and road travel in the province are continuing as normal.
The minister added that such measures are usually adopted in areas facing terrorism threats to maintain law and order.
Tariq Fazal further assured that mobile data packages purchased during the suspension period will remain valid and will be shifted to the next month.
It may be noted that internet services in Balochistan have been suspended for the past 10 days, creating problems for students and people working online.
Meanwhile, the Balochistan government has also banned the movement of public transport vehicles during night hours.
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According to the decision, passenger buses and vans will not be allowed to operate on highways across the province from 5pm to 5am. Companies violating the ban will have their route permits cancelled.
The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Provincial Secretary Transport Muhammad Hayat Kakar. Representatives of transport associations also attended the meeting, where it was agreed that the Home Department’s directives on night travel restrictions will be strictly enforced.
Kakar said all deputy commissioners have been directed to stop the movement of public transport during night hours. Transporters have also been instructed to install trackers in their vehicles, deploy security guards, and follow the government’s anti-smuggling policies.
