Mobile data services have been suspended from Balutchistan for more than three weeks to disrupt communications between separatist insurgents behind a recent increase in attacks, officials announced on Friday.
A prescription made Wednesday and seen by Reuters The said services would remain suspended until the end of the month due to the situation of the law and order in the province, which hosts key projects as part of the Chinese belt and road program.
“The service was suspended because they [militants] Use it for the coordination and sharing of information, “said provincial government spokesman Shahid Rind.
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Officials said there were 8.5 million subscribers on mobile phone in Balutchistan, the largest province in Pakistan per region, but which houses 15 million people over a national population of 240 million inhabitants.
The separatist groups, seeking a greater share of profits from the province rich in resources, have intensified the attacks in recent months, in particular on the army, which has launched an offensive based on information against them.
The insurgents mainly target the Pakistani security forces and Chinese nationals, but recently struck upper army officers. On Tuesday, an officer and two soldiers were killed in an explosion by the road claimed by the Liberation Army Baloch (Bla).
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In March, the Bla has exploded a railroad track and took more than 400 passengers hostage, killing 31 people, including 23 soldiers.
Last month, Pakistan also prohibited road trip to Iran, citing security threats.
Balutchistan is home to the port of Gwadar, developed by China as part of an investment of $ 65 billion in Pakistan in its belt and road program.
Islamabad accuses India of Rival Arch of funding and supporting insurgents in order to stir up instability, a charge that New Delhi denies.
