The Balochistan government has announced a province-wide suspension of mobile internet services in connection with 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal, the Islamic date marking Eid Milad-un-Nabi, which falls on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

According to official directives, mobile data services including 3G and 4G, as well as wireless internet services provided by PTCL and NTC, will remain suspended in several key districts including Quetta, Nushki, Khuzdar, Mastung, and Sibi.

The suspension will begin at 5:00 PM on Friday, September 5, and continue until 9:00 PM the next day.

The order was issued by the provincial Home Department and forwarded through the Ministry of Interior to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

Officials have stated that the temporary shutdown is a preventive security measure to ensure the safety of religious processions and public gatherings that take place during the observance of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday.

This move is part of a recurring pattern in Balochistan, where internet access is often restricted during sensitive events or in times of heightened security concerns.

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In August 2025, a three-week mobile data shutdown was imposed across the province following reports of separatist violence and militant activity

While the government maintains that such internet suspensions are essential for public safety, the repeated disruptions have sparked concerns among civil society, digital rights advocates, and the general public.

These shutdowns frequently affect education, e-commerce, freelance work, and access to emergency services—particularly in underdeveloped regions where alternative means of communication are limited.

As Eid Milad-un-Nabi approaches, residents of Balochistan are advised to make necessary arrangements to minimize the inconvenience caused by the planned connectivity blackout.