Mobile data services have been suspended in Baluchistan since more than three weeks to interrupt communications between separatist insurgents behind a recent increase in attacks, authorities said Friday.
An order issued on Wednesday and seen by Reuters These services would remain suspended until the end of the month due to the situation of the law and order in the province, which houses key projects under the Belt and Road program of China.
“The service has been suspended because they [militants] Use it for coordination and exchange of information, ”said provincial government spokesman Shahid Rind.
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The authorities said there are 8.5 million cell phone subscribers in Baluchistan, the largest province in Pakistan per area, but home of 15 million people from a national population of 240 million.
The separatist groups, who seek a majority of the profits of the province rich in resources, have intensified the attacks in recent months, particularly in the Army, which has launched an offensive based on intelligence against them.
The insurgents are mainly directed to the Pakistani security forces and Chinese citizens, but have recently reached the senior army officers. On Tuesday, an officer and two soldiers were killed in an explosion on the road claimed by the Baloch Liberation Army (Bla).
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In March, the BL exploded a railwayway and received more than 400 passengers as hostages, killing 31 people, including 23 soldiers.
Last month, Pakistan also banned road trips to Iran, citing security threats.
Baluchistan is the home of Gwadar Port, developed by China as part of an investment of $ 65 billion in Pakistan under his Belt and Road program.
Islamabad accuses the archival India of financing and supports insurgents in an attempt to enliven instability, a position of New Delhi denies.
