Gilgit: Access Should Not Be A Victim To National Security

 We have recently seen an increase in suspension of mobile phone services at the behest of national security. This is worrisome. On the 23rd of March, the government shut down cell phone services in parts of Baluchistan citing security reasons. Depriving civilians from their rights to access and justifying it under national security reflects badly on the government. It’s even worse that the communication black hole is prompted without a time frame, making most announcements sudden and indefinite.The state should ensure the security of its civillians without compromising their rights to access. It appears that security agencies do not comprehend the repercussions of a communication standstill specially in a volatile situation. We urge the interior ministry to implement a riot control mechanism that doesn’t affect access and communication.

The state should take strict actions against those responsible for widespread sectarian killings. However, we believe that a communication black hole is a counter-productive method for riot control. The government must ensure that the lives and civil liberties of its citizens are protected.