Possible terrorism: Quetta, internet blocked in many areas of the province

In view of the threat of terrorism in Balochistan province, the provincial government has stopped internet service for three days in most areas of the province including Quetta.

Public transport from Quetta to Punjab has also been stopped for three days, while educational institutions have also been closed in the cantt, but educational institutions have opened in Quetta city and other areas of the province.

Traders, students and travelers are facing severe difficulties due to the shutdown of internet and transport.

Following yesterday’s attacks on Wana Cadet College and outside the district court in the federal capital, Islamabad, the Balochistan government has tightened security measures to deal with possible terrorism across the province.

The provincial government has unannouncedly suspended the provision of internet service in Quetta and in other districts of Balochistan in general. When Independent Urdu contacted the responsible officials of the provincial government in this regard, their reply was that the media will be informed about this very soon.

The provincial government has also banned passenger coaches and other public transport from Quetta to other provinces throughout Balochistan from November 12 to 14, for which a formal notification has been issued.

However, the next day, the secretary of the transport department, Hayat Khan Kakar, canceled the notification of the ban, but a few hours later, another announcement was issued in which passenger coaches and other public transport from Quetta to Loralai Punjab and Zhob to Dera Ismail Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were banned.

Agha Lala, a businessman who trades with Iran, told Independent Urdu that his work is already affected due to the deteriorating law and order situation.

He said that when goods at the border are sent to Quetta, Karachi, Lahore or other areas of the country after getting clearance from customs and other institutions, armed men stop the vehicles somewhere along the way and also collect extortion due to which the traders suffer a lot.

He said that their work is further affected by the suspension of transport and internet service. Because we communicate with Iran’s manufacturers and other businessmen through Facebook, WhatsApp or other social media, when the service is suspended, our communications are cut off, due to which the trade also stops for several days, due to which not only the businessmen but also the government has to face serious financial loss.

Haji Agha Gul Khilji, a senior official of the Balochistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that now our business is done entirely through social media. Whenever there is a disruption in the provision of internet service, the entire business system, especially trade with Iran, Afghanistan and China, is severely affected.’

He said that business is affected due to tension and border closure with Afghanistan on one hand and terrorism in the province on the other hand. Along with the common man, the business community is also very worried.

“The Balochistan government will have to take special measures to restore law and order and restore the flow of trade, otherwise the daily life of the people will be severely affected.”

Not only the business class and common citizens are affected by the internet service being affected, but students, especially students of medical colleges and universities are also facing difficulties.

Marham Bibi, a student of Sardar Bahadur Khan University, says that she often attends online classes due to the uncertain law and order situation, but when the internet is suspended, her studies are affected.

Haseeb Khan, a student of Reconstruction College, said that now the education system is dependent on the Internet. Frequent internet blackouts in the city disrupt studies.’