May 29, 2025
By Kaleem Ullah
Naveed Baloch was forced to give up his research work only because of where his home is: in conflict-ridden Panjgur.
Naveed, 34, is a singer and music researcher. For him the unavailability of internet services in the region has ruined his work. Once he worked as a freelance music producer, relying heavily on global connectivity to both, learn innovations in modern music, and earn a living for his family. Now, it is impossible.
Speaking to Voicepk, he tells his story.
“I was working as a freelance music producer and researcher on an online marketplace, that connects businesses and individuals, with freelancers, who offer various digital services,” he says. “I used to receive orders from around the world and was expanding my network in the music industry; but ever since the internet was shut down, I can no longer stay in touch with these clients, which has basically finished my entire system, and of course it has impacted me financially and halted my personal growth and learning too.”
Internet services in Balochistan’s town of Panjgur have been suspended for the past three years. For any other town or city it is a situation unimaginable and ridiculous. But for Panjgur, communication through the internet has become a luxury.
“I have always meticulously planned my life goals, because I wanted to invest my time and energy in learning music, conducting research, and promoting culture,” he said. “And now I feel that two precious years of my life have just gone by in a snap of the fingers; they’ve been wasted, without achieving any of those goals.”
“Sometimes, good opportunities come up in the field of music,” he continued, “but because of the lack of internet, we miss them. With all these challenges, I’ve had to give up the freelancing aspect of my work and, consequently, my income.”
Another six months
On Monday, a National Assembly panel was informed that internet services in Panjgur would remain suspended for another six months due to security concerns. The NA Standing Committee on Information Technology, held with Aminul Haq in the chair, was told that this had been communicated to the interior ministry by security agencies in response to a letter, citing prevailing law and order situation as the reason. The committee also noted that the internet has already been suspended in Panjgur for the past three years, causing severe difficulties for the local population—particularly the business community and students. It decided to convene an in-camera meeting where the Secretary of the Interior will provide a detailed briefing on the specific security conditions that justify the continued blackout.
The committee was informed that the security agencies had responded to a letter from the Ministry of Interior stating that, due to the prevailing security and law and order situation, internet services in Panjgur district would remain suspended for the next six months.
National Party lawmaker Pullain Baloch told Voicepk, “In this day and age, the internet is a basic right. But it has been four years since internet services were halted in my constituency. Our businesses, schools, and other sectors have been gravely affected.”
He criticized the latest extension, calling it another tactic by the state to deprive the people of Panjgur of basic rights. “If they couldn’t improve the security situation in four years, how can they fix everything in six months? We hope for improvement, but I don’t believe this extension sends a positive signal to the people of Panjgur.”
Addressing the justification of security concerns, he said, “Security is a concern across the entire country. In fact, areas like Khuzdar, Awaran, and Kalat are at the epicenter of terrorism, yet they continue to have internet access. Why is Panjgur being singled out?”
“PTCL services are nearly non-existent for the general population—only 10 to 15 percent have access. Most people rely solely on mobile data,” he said. Discussing alternatives, he suggested, “The government could at least provide limited internet access—excluding video and voice calls—so people can send text messages, students can apply to universities, online banking can function, and women can access the Benazir Income Support Program.”
“I don’t understand why the government is punishing a population of one million because of a handful of insurgents, as they are describing it,” he added.
Pakistan’s freelancers
Meanwhile, the committee also received an update on “Ignite”s significant contributions to freelancing education in Pakistan. Ignite claims it has successfully trained 4.6 million students across 19 batches in 15 highly sought-after freelancing courses. Notably, 28% of these trainees were women, highlighting efforts toward inclusive skill development.
A survey conducted in October 2024 revealed the economic impact of Ignite’s programs: freelancers and trainees who completed their courses collectively generated an astounding US$1.65 billion in revenue.
In a move to ensure equitable access and assess regional impact, the NA committee directed Ignite to provide a district-wise breakdown of student enrollments specifically from Balochistan. This will help in understanding the reach and effectiveness of the programs in that region.