SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Residents of the Sarvekai and Barwand areas in Upper South Waziristan district on Monday staged a protest demonstration against the prolonged suspension of mobile network signals and internet services, demanding the immediate restoration of communication facilities in the region.

A large number of local tribesmen, youth, social activists and traders participated in the protest and expressed concern over the continued disruption of mobile and internet connectivity, which they said had badly affected daily life and essential public services.

The protesters said that mobile phone signals and internet services had remained suspended in the area for the past 10 days, causing immense difficulties for the local population.

They stated that in the modern era, communication services had become a basic necessity, but the people of Waziristan were repeatedly being deprived of these essential facilities.

Say online banking, official correspondence disrupted

The demonstrators pointed out that with Eidul Azha approaching, thousands of residents were unable to contact their relatives and family members living in other parts of the country and abroad.

They said the prolonged communication blackout had created serious social and psychological problems for families already living in remote and underdeveloped areas.

Residents complained that the suspension of mobile and internet services had severely disrupted business activities, educational affairs, and emergency communication.

Students, they said, were unable to access online educational material and digital learning platforms, while traders were facing financial losses due to the lack of internet-based business transactions and communication facilities.

The protesters also highlighted that patients and people requiring emergency assistance were facing serious hardships because they could not contact hospitals, rescue services, or relatives during urgent situations.

They added that the closure of internet services had affected online banking, official correspondence, and other digital services that had become essential for daily life.

The protesters urged the district administration, officials of the mobile companies, and elected public representatives to take notice of the situation and ensure the restoration of mobile and internet services without delay.

According to local sources, a technical fault developed at the Srarogha Ahmadwam tower, which serves as the central link for all three mobile phone towers operating in the area.

As a result of the malfunction, mobile network coverage and internet connectivity across the entire region were disrupted.

A social activist, Jamal Malyar Mehsud, said the people of Waziristan were equal citizens of the country and deserved the same basic facilities available in other parts of Pakistan.

He said repeated suspension of mobile services constituted a violation of the fundamental rights of citizens and was causing severe difficulties for students, patients, traders, and ordinary residents.

Mr Mehsud stated that the federal government, district administration, local leadership, and civil society organisations should play an active role in resolving public issues.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2026