Crackdown in Balochistan: Government imposes transportation restriction, internet shutdown, and seals off the city as part of security measures
In the troubled region of Balochistan, Pakistan, strict security measures have been implemented due to escalating law and order issues, increased insurgent attacks, and terrorist activities. These measures, which include a ban on night travel on key national highways and the suspension of mobile internet services, have been imposed to curb separatist activities and reduce security threats, particularly from groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
The ban on night travel, which was announced by district commissioners of various districts including Kachhi, Zhob, Gwadar, Nushki, and Musakhail, was implemented following recent violent attacks on vehicles and passengers. The streets of Gwadar are now deserted, and traffic is scarce due to the sealing off of entry and exit points to major cities.
The internet outage in Balochistan has affected freelancers, online businesses, food delivery workers, students, and traders. Thousands of people who rely on public transportation for daily travel between cities in Pakistan have been left stranded. The situation in Gwadar is worsening due to the suspension of banking services, as noted by TBP.
The cost of air travel has dramatically increased, with tickets to Islamabad soaring from 18,000 to 20,000 rupees to over 50,000 rupees. Patients traveling from Balochistan to Karachi for medical treatment are encountering severe challenges due to inadequate healthcare facilities in the region.
The restrictions have also led to the suppression of civil liberties such as freedom of assembly and expression. Reports of raids on activists, harassment, arbitrary detentions, and disruptions of protests by Baloch activists and human rights defenders have been noted. Rising concerns from civil society and international human rights groups about excessive use of force, extrajudicial actions, and reprisals against peaceful protesters and lawyers related to these counterterrorism measures have also been reported.
Despite the measures, locals and human rights advocates in Gwadar contend that the government is penalizing the public by curtailing essential services rather than ensuring safety. Residents in Gwadar are restricted to their homes due to the sealing off, and the transport department has announced a statewide ban on public transportation from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., with violators risking the revocation of their route permits. All entry and exit points in the port city of Gwadar have been sealed off for three days due to security issues and national day celebrations.
It is evident that while these security measures are aimed at enhancing regional stability, they come with considerable socio-political costs for the local population. The restrictions on movement and economic activities, the increased military and police presence, and the suppression of civil liberties are causing hardship for the people of Balochistan. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for the government to find a balance between maintaining security and preserving the rights and well-being of its citizens.
[1] Balochistan Post. (2025). Balochistan under curfew as security measures intensify. [online] Available at: https://www.balochistanpost.com/balochistan-under-curfew-as-security-measures-intensify/
[2] Dawn. (2025). Balochistan imposes night travel ban on key national highways. [online] Available at: https://www.dawn.com/news/1635668
[3] The Express Tribune. (2025). Balochistan: Internet blackout extended as security measures tighten. [online] Available at: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2251958/balochistan-internet-blackout-extended-as-security-measures-tighten
[4] The News International. (2025). Balochistan: Security forces launch operation against insurgents. [online] Available at: https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/854525-balochistan-security-forces-launch-operation-against-insurgents
[5] Human Rights Watch. (2025). Pakistan: Counterterrorism Measures Harming Human Rights. [online] Available at: https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/08/12/pakistan-counterterrorism-measures-harming-human-rights
- The travel ban in Balochistan, as reported by Balochistan Post, has affected a wide range of individuals, such as freelancers, students, and traders, who now struggle due to the disrupted transportation services.
- Increased security measures, including the suspension of mobile internet services, have had significant impacts on businesses, food delivery services, and daily commuters, as noted by various news outlets.
- Reports from The Express Tribune suggest that the sealing off of cities like Gwadar, the increase in military presence, and the suppression of civil liberties are causing hardship for the local population in Balochistan.
- Human Rights Watch's recent report highlights concerns about the rising use of force, extrajudicial actions, and reprisals against peaceful protesters and lawyers, which may indicate a potential threat to human rights in Balochistan amid escalating counterterrorism measures.
