Pukhtunkhwa National Awami Party Condemns Prolonged Internet Shutdown in Balochistan, Threatens Mass Protests

Quetta: The Pukhtunkhwa National Awami Party (PNAP) has strongly condemned the prolonged suspension of 3G and 4G mobile internet services in Quetta and across all 36 districts of Balochistan, terming it a direct result of the imposed provincial government and the gross incompetence of the Home Department.

In a press release issued by the party, it was stated that the disruption of internet services has paralyzed the daily lives of millions of citizens. The statement warned that essential sectors such as business, education, and communication have been pushed to the brink of collapse due to the continued unavailability of mobile internet.

The party highlighted that mobile users are forced to purchase expensive weekly and monthly data packages, which expire without use due to the lack of network coverage. This, the press release claims, is causing losses of millions of rupees to the public.

It further added that the province’s business community, which relies on billions of rupees in daily digital transactions, is now facing severe financial hardship and near-bankruptcy. Students have been cut off from online classes, competitive exam preparation, and digital libraries — a blow to the future of the younger generation.

The statement also noted the mental stress and economic hardships faced by thousands involved in online businesses, shopping, and freelance work. Meanwhile, mobile companies continue to increase package prices despite failing to provide basic services — an act the party equated to open exploitation of the public.

The PNAP has demanded that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), mobile operators, and relevant authorities immediately restore 3G and 4G services throughout Balochistan. The party also called for compensation in the form of data rollover for the days when the network was inactive.

If these demands are not met, the party warned it would launch province-wide public protests against the ongoing digital blackout.