Balochistan’s Civilian Life Strained as Security Measures Intensify
Curfews, roadblocks and prolonged internet shutdowns paralyse Balochistan as residents flee and services collapse
Balochistan, Nov 20: Daily life across several parts of Balochistan has been crippled by intensified security measures, including curfews, road blockages and widespread internet suspensions, leading to mass displacement and growing despair among residents.
Communities in Zehri said a strict curfew has emptied neighbourhoods, forcing hundreds of families to flee. Locals alleged that security forces fire at anyone found outdoors after 5 pm, as reported by The Balochistan Post. Residents estimate nearly 500 families have left the area in recent days, abandoning homes, livestock and unharvested crops. Many claim security personnel have established multiple camps, ordered evacuations, and even targeted a hotel with mortar fire, while incidents of shops being burned and traders disappearing have also been reported.
In Quetta, the provincial capital, residents described the city as a heavily fortified zone, with key routes blocked or restricted without warning. Many criticised Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s administration, accusing it of shifting the burden of governance failures onto the public. Traffic jams have intensified on routes connecting courts, hospitals and government offices, while heightened restrictions around Hali Road and Model Town near the CM House have worsened the gridlock.
Train services from Quetta to Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar remain suspended, and passenger buses were temporarily banned ahead of Baloch Martyrs’ Day before being partially restored.
Mobile internet services have now been suspended for a seventh consecutive day across multiple districts, with officials indicating the blackout may continue. While authorities cite serious security threats, students, businesses, professionals and journalists say the shutdown has severely obstructed work and communication.
In Gwadar, a sudden ban on oil transport vehicles has left drivers without one of the few remaining sources of income. With border trade already halted, locals say the restrictions are pushing them deeper into unemployment, according to The Balochistan Post.
Opposition lawmakers warned that the sweeping controls reflect a government “losing grip” rather than restoring order. They argued that prolonged shutdowns, movement restrictions and increasing insecurity are pushing Balochistan toward a deeper humanitarian and governance crisis.
