Section 144 Extended Across Balochistan Amid Security Concerns, internet blackout till August 31

August 18, 2025

Balochistan [Pakistan]: The government of Balochistan has extended Section 144 for another 15 days, keeping strict restrictions on public gatherings and certain activities in place until August 31, amid rising security concerns.

Officials say the move is a response to the threat of increased militant activity in August, a month when armed groups are known to step up attacks around symbolic dates such as August 11, 14, and 26, according to The Balochistan Post (TBP).

Public Restrictions Tightened

Under the extended order, pillion riding on motorcycles remains banned, face coverings by riders are prohibited, and gatherings of five or more people are not allowed.

Since August 13, nighttime travel for public transport has also been restricted. Buses and commercial vehicles are barred from highways between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m., as a precautionary measure.

Internet Blackout Continues

Mobile internet services (3G and 4G) have been suspended across all 36 districts of Balochistan since August 6. The government says the suspension will continue until August 31, citing security reasons.

Earlier, the Balochistan High Court ordered internet services to be restored in all but the most sensitive areas. However, the blackout remains in effect across the entire province.

Impact on Education and Economy

The internet shutdown has severely affected students, freelancers, journalists, and businesses. Students fear disruption of their academic year, while journalists say information flow from the region has been blocked.

Civil society groups have urged the government to follow the court’s directive and restore connectivity immediately.

Curfew in Nasirabad, Kech District

Meanwhile, a curfew has been in place in the Nasirabad area of Kech district, where markets are shut and residents have been confined to their homes for several days.

Locals report that shopkeepers who attempted to reopen their stores were briefly detained by security forces. Residents also complain of shortages of essential goods due to the ongoing curfew.

Political Opposition to Restrictions

The All Parties Kech Alliance condemned the curfew, calling it an “anti-people measure” that has caused unnecessary hardship. The group appealed to the deputy commissioner of Kech to restore normal life in the area.

Similar reports have emerged from Gwadar, where residents claimed that security forces sealed off the city and shut down entry points during Pakistan’s National Day celebrations.

Government Justifies Security Measures

The government maintains that these restrictions are necessary to prevent militant attacks. However, political parties and human rights groups argue that the measures—especially the province-wide internet shutdown—are disproportionate and amount to collective punishment for civilians, TBP reported.