- Telecommunication authority does not provide details on areas and duration of internet suspension
ISLAMABAD: Mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended in certain areas of Balochistan to “ensure public safety” amidst the sharp rise in terrorist attacks, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) stated on Friday
The PTA, in a statement, explained that the decision followed directives from relevant authorities and was implemented to “ensure public safety given the security situation in these areas.”
“The general public is hereby informed that, under the directives of authorised departments, mobile internet services have been temporarily suspended in certain areas of Balochistan,” Friday’s statement said.
The statement added that the step was taken “to ensure public safety given the security situation in these areas”.
It, however, did not mention the areas where mobile internet services have been suspended or provide details on the duration of the suspension.
On the other hand, the Balochistan government decided to develop a provincial action plan to significantly enhance governance and security across the province.
Balochistan Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan on Wednesday briefed a high-level meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, on the proposed action plan aims at ensuring security within the province
The chief secretary said that a comprehensive strategy is being developed to effectively counter terrorism, crime, extortion and smuggling cases with a focus on enhancing enforcement measures.
The “temporary suspension” comes as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have witnessed an alarming surge in terror incidents, especially targeting the security forces.
The Balochistan’s security landscape has worsened in recent months and last week, a suicide bombing at the Quetta Railway Station killed at least 27 people and injured 45 others.
According to Balochistan’s Inspector General of Police Mouzzam Jah Ansari, the blast specifically targeted army personnel from the Infantry School.
