Islamabad, March 29 – Residents of Lower South Waziristan in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been facing difficulties for the past two months due to disruptions in mobile network service and prolonged internet outages in several areas, local media reported on Sunday.
Users of major telecom operators have said that they were experiencing persistent signal issues and frequent internet shutdowns, disrupting communication and access to essential online services. The situation has affected people from all walks of life, including journalists, traders, business owners, and students, as they rely on digital connectivity for their daily activities, Pakistani daily Dawn reported.
On Saturday, local members of the Wazir tribe said that mobile signals in parts of Wana and Birmal tehsils have remained weak or completely unavailable for the past few weeks. They mentioned that internet services also remain suspended for extended periods.
The most affected regions include Sholam, Spin, Tanai, Azam Warsak, Ghowa Khowah, Dabkot, and Raghzai, where residents are facing issues in making phone calls, sending messages, or using online platforms. Many users have described the situation as unprecedented, as connectivity is considered a basic necessity in this era.
Residents have said that the ongoing disruption in mobile service has impacted their daily lives. Students have expressed concern over their inability to attend online classes, complete assignments, or access academic resources, which they fear may impact their educational progress.
Similarly, members of the business community and trade associations have said that they have suffered financial losses due to the breakdown in communication channels, Dawn reported.
Journalists have also reported that limited access to communication tools has affected timely reporting and information gathering.
Residents of the affected regions have urged the federal government and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to ensure the restoration of mobile and internet services on an emergency basis.