Balochistan High Court Orders Restoration of Internet in Quetta Within Two Hours

Quetta:The Balochistan High Court has ordered the restoration of mobile internet services in Quetta within two hours. Following the court’s directive, internet services began resuming in parts of Quetta and Chaman after being suspended for over two weeks.

The order was issued during the hearing of a constitutional petition regarding the suspension of public transport and internet services. The case was heard by a two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Rozi Khan Bareech and Justice Sardar Ahmed Halimi.

The petition challenging the suspension of mobile internet services was filed by **Chairman of Consumer Society, Khair Muhammad**, who argued that the ban was a violation of citizens’ constitutional rights.

After the court issued its order, mobile internet services gradually began to resume in various cities, including **Pishin, Chaman, and certain areas of Quetta**, marking the first signs of connectivity restoration after 15 days.

Previously, on **August 6**, the provincial Home Department had issued a **notification** ordering the suspension of mobile data services across Balochistan, citing **security concerns**. The suspension was to remain in effect until **August 31**, as per the notification, which instructed relevant authorities to shut down **3G and 4G services** to prevent any potential law and order issues.

Government spokesperson **Shahid Rind**, speaking to Reuters, had stated that the suspension was necessary as **terrorist groups were using internet services for communication**, prompting the security-driven decision.

The High Court’s intervention has brought some relief to citizens and businesses affected by the prolonged internet shutdown, and further proceedings on the matter are expected to follow.