On Monday, officials informed a National Assembly panel that they will suspend internet services in Panjgur district for the next six months due to ongoing security concerns. This decision follows a response from security agencies to a letter from the Ministry of Interior citing the region’s prevailing law and order situation.
The NA Standing Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Aminul Haq, expressed deep concern over this prolonged issue. The committee highlighted that authorities have suspended internet services in Panjgur for the past three years, causing immense hardship to residents, especially students and business owners. To address their concerns, the committee has resolved to convene an in-camera meeting where the Secretary Interior will provide a detailed briefing on the security situation warranting this extended suspension.
Read more: Three universities in Balochistan closed due to ‘security concerns’
National Party lawmaker Pullain Baloch outlined the difficulties faced by his constituents in NA-258, mentioning that they must travel 15 to 20 kilometers just to access basic internet services. He added that PTCL’s coverage in the area is almost non-existent. Responding to this, the committee directed the PTA chairman to conduct a survey of internet coverage in Panjgur and submit a detailed report.
The committee received an update on significant progress in freelancing training programs during the meeting. Ignite, the technology fund behind these initiatives, has trained 4.6 million students in 15 high-demand freelance courses, with women accounting for 28% of this group. Since October 2024, these programs have helped freelancers generate $1.65 billion in revenue.
To further female empowerment, the committee urged Ignite to increase the proportion of female participants in these programs to at least 50%. Additionally, Ignite has expanded its offerings to include 10 new courses, such as AI-focused programs, raising the total to 25. A district-wise breakdown of student enrollment from Balochistan was also requested.
The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of the PTCL CEO, directing his attendance at the next meeting. The committee raised concerns about PTCL’s plans to sell key properties and demanded a review of specific clauses in the company’s sales and purchase agreements.
Lawmakers, including MNA Adil Khan Bazai and others such as Pullain Baloch, Sharmila Farooqui, and Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, attended the session alongside ministry officials.
