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- Initiative has been made to coincide with Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day on August 14
- The highway between Karachi and Gwadar is considered vital for regional trade and security
ISLAMABAD: The government has announced an initiative to enhance connectivity in the southeastern Balochistan province by introducing a national roaming service along the Makran Coastal Highway on Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, according to an official statement released on Tuesday.
The highway, which stretches between the port cities of Karachi and Gwadar, serves as a critical route along Pakistan’s southern coast. It is considered vital to enhance regional trade and security.
Despite its strategic importance, however, the highway lacked national roaming service for a long time, making the initiative a significant step forward in improving connectivity in the area.
“To mark the 77th Independence Day of Pakistan, Ministry of Information Technology & Telecom, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Universal Service Fund (USF) in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity and public service in Balochistan, launched National Roaming Services along Makran Coastal Highway today,” the statement said.
The initiative was launched during a ceremony held at the PTA Headquarters in Islamabad as a collaborative effort among the USF, Jazz and Ufone.
“Availability of telecom services in such underserved areas is not only a technological upgrade but also a public service initiative by the government of Pakistan to improve livelihoods of people of Balochistan, especially of the people living along Makran coastal highway,” the statement added.
Balochistan remains one of Pakistan’s most underdeveloped regions where residents frequently express frustration over poor digital connectivity and basic infrastructure.
While the government has launched several development initiatives, these efforts have often been hindered by deep-rooted local grievances and a lack of trust in authorities.
Additionally, key areas along the Makran Coastal Highway, including Gwadar, rely on electricity imported from Iran rather than being connected to Pakistan’s national grid, further highlighting the region’s infrastructural challenges.