THIS refers to the report ‘Mobile phone internet services restored in areas of Balochistan, KP’ (June 3). This is a great news. In fact, it is a matter to rejoice. I know people in Turbat’s Kech area, to which I belong, are actually celebrating the government decision.

Even though I am currently working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the news has struck me with joy as my annual visit to the hometown used to be short because my job requires me to stay in touch with the customers all the time on email and other messaging apps. This was not possible due to the lack of internet facility in the area, and I always had to return earlier than I planned.

With the latest news, I am glad that I will be able to stay longer in my hometown during my next visit and will spend more time with my people while working online. It has been difficult to stay connected with loved ones from abroad without spending a fortune. Telephone calls are also expensive from the Gulf countires to Pakistan.

Besides, during the ongoing pandemic, e-learning is not possible without a stable internet connection at one’s disposal.

The Turbat University is contributing to the progress of the area by enriching the future of youths in the region, but the prolonged closure of the university and lack of internet facility to impart online learning caused a delay in studies and created unrest among the youths.

Today, internet is not only used for messaging or online education, but for several other purposes.

The restoration of internet service is greatly appreciated and is considered a gift to the people of Kech. I hope that the service will continue without interruptions.

Imtiaz Ali Musa

United Arab Emirates

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2021