Balochistan, Pakistan — March 25: The provincial government has extended the suspension of academic activities through March 31 and ordered a shutdown of mobile internet services in several districts, citing security concerns, officials said.
An official notification from the Department of Colleges, Higher and Technical Education said all public and private educational institutions — including schools, universities, degree and intermediate colleges, polytechnic institutes, Balochistan Residential Colleges (BRCs) and cadet colleges — will remain closed during the period. The extension follows an earlier notice issued on March 9. The department said the measures were taken to protect students and staff and to allow for necessary administrative arrangements. The order bars all academic and extracurricular activities and directs relevant authorities to enforce the closure, warning that violations could prompt disciplinary action.
Separately, provincial authorities suspended mobile internet services in parts of Balochistan, including Quetta, Noshki, Kharan, Dalbandin, Mastung, Kalat, Sibi and nearby areas. The interior ministry attributed the shutdown to security reasons and did not give a timeline for when services might be restored.
Political and civil society groups have criticized both steps, warning they will disrupt communication, daily life and access to information. The government imposed heightened security measures around March 23, during which internet services and some train operations were halted in certain areas. Officials have described the recent measures as precautionary and have not disclosed specific threats.
Independent verification of the security situation is limited, with restricted access to affected areas and scarce official information available. Local authorities say the decisions are intended to reduce risks amid ongoing concerns, while critics urge clearer communication and assurances about the duration and impact of the restrictions.
News agencies report the update as received from a syndicated feed.
