Internet access in Balochistan
Can you imagine life without the internet? Well! Your answer would be no. For the entire world, the internet has become as essential as the air we breathe. It has changed the way we live our lives in almost all segments. In this modern era, everything is dependent on the internet. The developed countries have touched the sky through digitalization, while in some districts of Balochistan, people have no access to it. Including Awaran, Panjgur, Turbat, and many others are also on the same page. The shutdown of the internet has affected the dweller in every walk of life.
We find ourselves lost when we face a break in internet connection even for a minute, it feels like we are disconnected from the world. And there are people who have not even experienced this disconnection yet as I haven’t versed it when I used to live in my hometown Awaran. But now once I visit there I perceived as if I am dumb or marginalised. And I noticed that it has left dweller behind in every aspect of life. They are disconnected with ongoing situations of the world. However, journalists enter and leave with disappointment, finding no internet which means no emails, no information access. Consequently, no one knows what is happening in these districts and Balochistan. Moreover, According to reports, 60 percent of Balochistan has no internet coverage.
As covid 19 pandemic emerged, one of many lessons was the importance of the internet. Particularly, for educational purposes. As everything including business or education sectors were on a halt. Higher education commission started an online education policy that poor students of Balochistan, who were studying in public or private universities across the country, had to go back to their homes where they were cut off from the outside world and unable to attend online classes. And the student had to leave the educational institutions. On the other hand, students can not apply for scholarships in different universities in the country due to plunging internet infrastructure. And people have to travel miles to get a document signed or filled even if they travel to cities for taking online admission.
No doubt technology plays a pivotal role in managing the pandemic. For instance, through social media platforms, people were made aware of covid 19 precautions and symptoms. While in tribal areas due to the absence of internet connection it took a lot of time to convince people about the pandemic existence.
It is my humble request to the government of Balochistan and telecommunication authority to restore internet facilities in the regions of Balochistan. Access to internet connection is supposed to be one of the human rights. They should not be deprived of this fundamental right in this modern era where everything relies on digitalization. Recently, prime minister Imran Khan announced plans to make internet service operational in the regions of Waziristan. People of Balochistan are awaiting for such an announcement in Balochistan too. Hope! PM Imran Khan will not disappoint them.