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Balochistan Shuts Schools, Cuts Mobile Internet Till March 31 Over Security

The Government of Balochistan has extended the closure of all public and private educational institutions until March 31, citing security reasons. In a separate order, mobile internet services have been suspended in Quetta and several other cities across the province. These precautionary measures have drawn criticism from groups concerned about their impact on daily life and access to information. Authorities have not provided a timeline for restoring services or detailed the specific threats prompting the actions.

Key Points: Balochistan Extends School Closures, Suspends Mobile Internet

  • All educational institutions closed until March 31
  • Mobile internet suspended in Quetta and other cities
  • Measures are due to security concerns
  • Political and social groups criticize the communication blackout
2 min read

Balochistan extends school closures till March 31, suspends mobile internet in multiple cities over security concerns

Balochistan government closes all educational institutions and suspends mobile internet in multiple cities until March 31, citing security concerns.

"Extending the closure was necessary due to the prevailing security situation, to safeguard students and staff - Officials"

Balochistan, March 25

The Government of Balochistan has prolonged the suspension of academic activities until March 31 and has also directed the closure of mobile internet services in several cities, citing security-related concerns, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

As per an official notification released by the Department of Colleges, Higher and Technical Education, all public and private educational institutions, including schools, colleges, universities, degree and intermediate colleges, polytechnic institutes, Balochistan Residential Colleges (BRCs), and cadet colleges, will remain shut during this period, the TBP report stated.

This move comes after an earlier notification issued on March 9 when educational activities were initially halted. Officials explained that extending the closure was necessary due to the prevailing security situation, to safeguard students and staff, and to address administrative requirements. The notification further clarified that no academic or extracurricular activities would be allowed, and authorities concerned have been instructed to strictly enforce the directive, with action to be taken in case of violations, according to the TBP report.

In a separate development, mobile internet services have been suspended in various parts of Balochistan, including the provincial capital Quetta, as well as Noshki, Kharan, Dalbandin, Mastung, Kalat, Sibi, and nearby regions. The province's interior ministry stated that this step was also taken due to security concerns, although no timeline has been announced for the restoration of services.

The suspension has faced criticism from political and social groups, who have raised concerns about its impact on communication, everyday life, and access to information. These measures come amid heightened security arrangements around March 23, during which internet services and train operations were also halted in certain areas of Balochistan. While authorities have not disclosed specific details about potential threats, officials indicated that these actions are precautionary, as noted in the TBP report.

The combined measures, closure of educational institutions and disruption of communication services highlight the continuing security challenges in the region. Independent evaluation of the situation remains limited due to restricted access and the lack of detailed official information.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Cutting off mobile internet is a heavy-handed move. In today's world, it's not just about social media – it affects banking, telemedicine, and remote work. While security is paramount, blanket bans hurt ordinary citizens the most. There has to be a more balanced approach.
A
Aman W
Reading this from India, it's a stark reminder of how crucial stability is for development. We've seen our share of challenges in border states, but prolonged school closures and internet shutdowns create a lost generation. The authorities need to find a permanent solution, not just temporary suspensions.
S
Sarah B
The lack of detailed official information is concerning. When people are left in the dark, rumors and fear spread. Transparency, even about general threats, would help the public understand and cooperate better. Hope for peace and normalcy for the people of Balochistan.
V
Vikram M
Security first, I understand. But for how long? These measures around March 23 seem to be becoming an annual ritual. It disrupts the entire economy and daily life. The focus should be on addressing the root causes of instability. 🙏
K
Kavya N
As a teacher, my heart goes out to the faculty and staff there too. It's not just students; livelihoods are affected. Online classes could be an alternative if internet wasn't shut! This is a complex issue with no easy answers, but the human cost is very real.

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