ISLAMABAD: The government in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan announced on Monday that it has suspended mobile network services in some cities of the province due to security reasons, as the nation marks Republic Day today.
Pakistani authorities frequently suspend mobile services before large public rallies or demonstrations in high-risk areas to prevent coordination among militants and to thwart the use of remote-controlled bomb devices.
Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest but least developed province, has long grappled with a separatist insurgency that has intensified in recent months, with militants targeting security personnel, government officials, non-local residents and infrastructure linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“Mobile network temporarily suspended in some Balochistan cities over security concerns,” a statement issued by Babar Yousafzai, an aide in the Balochistan Home Department, said.
“This measure has been taken to address potential threats and ensure the safety of the public.”
Yousafzai, however, did not specify the cities where the ban was imposed.
Separately, Pakistan’s interior ministry released a notification stating that it has banned cellular Internet services throughout Balochistan from 8:00 am to 10:00 p.m. at the provincial government’s request.
“The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is requested to take further necessary action in the matter accordingly in coordination with the Home Department, Government of Balochistan,” the statement added.
Pakistan blames India for supporting separatist militant outfits in Balochistan for launching attacks against security forces and civilians in the province. Islamabad also alleges that Afghanistan provides sanctuaries to these militant groups.
India and Afghanistan both deny Pakistan’s allegations and urge Islamabad to resolve its security challenges itself.
Pakistan marks Mar. 23 every year as Republic Day to commemorate the Lahore Resolution of 1940, when the All-India Muslim League formally demanded a separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent.
The resolution is hailed as a pivotal moment in the creation of Pakistan. The day is celebrated with gun salutes, official ceremonies, and a military parade every year.
This year, however, the government did not hold a military parade due to austerity measures announced by Islamabad amid the global oil crisis triggered by the Middle East conflict.
