Balochistan government recommends temporary shutdown; grenade attack reported in Dera Murad Jamali

Internet services were suspended across Quetta on Friday due to security concerns, following a recommendation by the Balochistan government, 24NewsHD TV Channel reported.

According to official sources, the provincial Home Department requested the federal government to temporarily shut down mobile and broadband internet services in the provincial capital.

The decision, officials said, was made to “maintain public safety and prevent potential misuse of digital communication platforms amid heightened security alerts.”

Sources within the Home Department confirmed that the suspension is temporary and will be reviewed once the situation normalizes.

Grenade attack on SSP Highway Police office

In a separate security incident, unidentified assailants lobbed a hand grenade at the office of SSP Highway Police in Dera Murad Jamali on Friday.

The grenade struck the front gate of the office but did not cause any casualties, police officials said. The attackers managed to flee the scene immediately after the attack.

Law enforcement agencies have launched a search operation in the surrounding area to trace the perpetrators.

Police have increased patrolling in and around key installations in the city as part of heightened security measures.

Background

Internet shutdowns have become a recurring measure in Balochistan during periods of unrest or heightened security threats, often ahead of major events or following violent incidents.

Authorities argue the move is necessary to prevent militant coordination and misinformation, while rights groups have repeatedly urged the government to balance security with citizens’ right to access information.