ISLAMABAD: The government has announced an initiative to enhance connectivity in the southeastern Balochistan province by introducing a national roaming service along the Makran Coastal Highway on Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, according to an official statement released on Tuesday.
The highway, which stretches between the port cities of Karachi and Gwadar, serves as a critical route along Pakistan’s southern coast. It is considered vital to enhance regional trade and security.
Despite its strategic importance, however, the highway lacked national roaming service for a long time, making the initiative a significant step forward in improving connectivity in the area.
“To mark the 77th Independence Day of Pakistan, Ministry of Information Technology & Telecom, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Universal Service Fund (USF) in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity and public service in Balochistan, launched National Roaming Services along Makran Coastal Highway today,” the statement said.
The initiative was launched during a ceremony held at the PTA Headquarters in Islamabad as a collaborative effort among the USF, Jazz and Ufone.
“Availability of telecom services in such underserved areas is not only a technological upgrade but also a public service initiative by the government of Pakistan to improve livelihoods of people of Balochistan, especially of the people living along Makran coastal highway,” the statement added.
Balochistan remains one of Pakistan’s most underdeveloped regions where residents frequently express frustration over poor digital connectivity and basic infrastructure.
While the government has launched several development initiatives, these efforts have often been hindered by deep-rooted local grievances and a lack of trust in authorities.
Additionally, key areas along the Makran Coastal Highway, including Gwadar, rely on electricity imported from Iran rather than being connected to Pakistan’s national grid, further highlighting the region’s infrastructural challenges.
Pakistan launches national roaming service along Makran Coastal Highway to boost connectivity
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Pakistan launches national roaming service along Makran Coastal Highway to boost connectivity
- Initiative has been made to coincide with Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day on August 14
- The highway between Karachi and Gwadar is considered vital for regional trade and security
International Cricket Council in talks to revive India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash
- Pakistan face two-point loss and net run-rate hit if they forfeit Feb. 15 match
- ICC seeks dialogue after Pakistan boycott clash citing government directive
NEW DELHI, India: The International Cricket Council is in talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board to resolve the boycott of its T20 World Cup match against India on February 15, AFP learnt Saturday.
Any clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan is one of the most lucrative in cricket, worth millions of dollars in broadcast, sponsor and advertising revenue.
But the fixture was thrown into doubt after Pakistan’s government ordered the team not to play the match in Colombo.
The Pakistan Cricket Board reached out to the ICC after a formal communication from the cricket’s world body, a source close to the developments told AFP.
The ICC was seeking a resolution through dialogue and not confrontation, the source added.
The 20-team tournament has been overshadowed by an acrimonious political build-up after Bangladesh, who refused to play in India citing security concerns, were replaced by Scotland.
As a protest, Pakistan refused to face co-hosts India in their Group A fixture.
Pakistan, who edged out Netherlands in the tournament opener on Saturday, will lose two points if they forfeit the match and also suffer a significant blow to their net run rate.
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav said this week that his team would travel to Colombo for the clash.
Pakistan and India have not played bilateral cricket for more than a decade, and meet only in global or regional tournaments.
