The Balochistan government has announced a province-wide suspension of internet services during Eid Milad-un-Nabi.
According to a notification issued on September 4, mobile data, including 3G and 4G, will remain suspended from 6 pm on September 5 until 9 pm on September 6.
The restriction also applies to PTCL and NTC services in select districts, including Quetta, Noshki, Khuzdar, Mastung, and Sibi, where both mobile and fixed-line internet will stay offline until the evening of September 6.
Officials said the decision was taken as a precaution to maintain public safety during religious gatherings.
The Home Department has asked the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to implement the order, while exempting essential government and white-listed connections.
This is not the first time Balochistan has experienced such restrictions, as similar shutdowns have been imposed during major religious and political events, with security concerns cited as the reason.
However, repeated suspensions have faced criticism from civil society and digital rights activists, who argue that they disrupt education, businesses, and access to information.
The Balochistan High Court has also directed the government in the past to avoid blanket shutdowns and restore services in areas where no direct threat exists.