Special Report.Quetta.Aug.19
The internet shutdown in Balochistan has entered its 19th consecutive day, severely impacting businesses, educational institutions, and daily life. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) imposed the ban on August 1, citing security concerns, and it is set to continue until August 31. – Businesses relying on internet access for daily transactions and communication face significant challenges
– E-commerce and digital entrepreneurship are severely affected, leading to financial losses
– Freelancers and remote workers struggle to meet international clients’ demands
Students face difficulties accessing online resources and attending virtual classes
– Online learning and research are severely hampered, affecting academic progress
– The shutdown has disrupted the academic calendar, causing uncertainty among students and teachers
The PTA has cited security concerns as the reason for the shutdown, but no further details have been provided
– The Balochistan government has not commented on the specific security concerns leading to the shutdown
– The shutdown has sparked widespread criticism, with many calling for its immediate restoration to ease public hardship and revive economic activity.
