Internet disruption leads to stagnation in daily life and commerce across Balochistan
The province of Balochistan in Pakistan has been experiencing an internet shutdown since August 6, 2025, as mobile internet services were suspended across most districts, including Quetta, by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The shutdown, which is expected to continue until August 31, 2025, has been a source of criticism from the public, business community, and political representatives due to its far-reaching impacts on daily life, education, business activities, and communication.
The disruption of daily life has affected millions of residents, cutting them off from the digital world. Communication, education, and business activities have been severely impacted, with students unable to attend online classes or prepare for competitive exams, and e-commerce operations paralyzed. Financial transactions conducted through digital platforms have halted, causing significant economic losses reported to be in millions of rupees daily. Business communities and private entrepreneurs relying on online platforms are facing unprecedented challenges.
The shutdown has also disrupted official and personal communications, with media workers, government employees, travelers, and ordinary citizens unable to use popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. Many residents have expressed anger and frustration due to the lack of a clear and detailed explanation from federal or provincial authorities or the PTA.
In response to the widespread criticism, a petition challenging the shutdown was admitted by the Balochistan High Court (BHC) on August 13, 2025. The BHC issued notices to the provincial home department and PTA, summoning their representatives for a hearing on August 15, 2025. The petition, filed by the Balochistan Consumer Civil Society, highlights the severe negative effects on education, business, and communication. The BHC also ordered the Attorney General of Pakistan and Balochistan Advocate General to file replies regarding the shutdown’s justification.
At the federal level, Senator Kamran Murtaza of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) submitted a motion in the Senate to address the issue as a matter of urgent public importance, reflecting legislative concern.
The internet shutdown has been described as an additional burden on a province already struggling with economic and security challenges. The traders have called for the immediate restoration of services to ease public hardship and revive economic activity. The shutdown is causing daily losses in the millions of rupees, according to business leaders, and is causing unprecedented hardship for traders, the business community, and private entrepreneurs.
The internet shutdown has been a topic of debate in the Senate, with Senator Murtaza leading the charge for transparency and the restoration of services. The traders have criticized the government for shutting down internet and digital services, calling it a failure of governance.
As the shutdown enters its third consecutive day, the people of Balochistan continue to face disruptions in communication, education, business transactions, and daily life. The impact of the shutdown is being felt acutely, and there is a growing call for the immediate restoration of services to alleviate the hardships faced by the people of Balochistan.
- The internet shutdown in Balochistan since August 6, 2025, has disrupted technology usage worldwide, preventing international communication with residents of the province.
- The US State Department has expressed concern over the situation in Balochistan, urging Pakistan to reconsider its decision and prioritize the rights of its citizens to access internet services, crucial for modern business and politics.
- Against this backdrop, General News outlets are reporting that Pakistan's business sector, both local and international, stands to lose significant revenue as a result of the internet shutdown, rendering complex financial transactions impossible and hindering commercial operations.
- Understanding the significance of technology in today's world, the PTI government, led by Prime Minister Imran Khan, is under pressure to address the concerns of the business community and resolve the impasse as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the economy.
- In the realm of education, students in Balochistan are at a disadvantage, with online classes and competitive exams preparation halted due to the internet shutdown, raising concerns about the quality of education and future prospects for these students.
- Meanwhile, the US government, a key player in the global business and technology arena, has voiced its support for restoring internet services in Balochistan, citing the importance of digital connectivity for economic growth and social development worldwide.
