Balochistan Extends Restrictions Amid Security Concerns, Despite Court Order

The Balochistan government has extended Section 144 for an additional 15 days, maintaining restrictions on public gatherings and activities until August 31. This decision, according to officials, is due to heightened security concerns during August, a period when armed groups are believed to intensify attacks, particularly around significant dates in August. The decree continues to prohibit motorcycle pillion riding and face coverings, and it restricts gatherings of five or more individuals. Nighttime movement of public transport has also been limited since August 13. Furthermore, mobile internet services (3G and 4G) have been suspended across all 36 districts of Balochistan since August 6, with the blackout scheduled to last until August 31. Despite a Balochistan High Court ruling to restore internet services in most areas, the suspension persists, severely impacting communication, education, employment, business, and news dissemination. Residents and civil society groups have voiced concerns and urged the government to comply with the court’s directives. Meanwhile, a curfew in the Nasirabad area of Kech district has led to closed markets and restricted movement, causing shortages of essential items, according to local reports. The All Parties Kech alliance has condemned the curfew. Similar actions have been observed in other regions, like Gwadar, where security forces restricted movement around Pakistan’s National Day. The government maintains these restrictions are necessary to prevent militant offensives. However, political parties and human rights organizations view the measures as collective punishment disproportionately affecting civilians.