In a significant move to enhance connectivity in Balochistan, the government has introduced a national roaming service along the Makran Coastal Highway, marking Pakistan’s 77th Independence Day. This initiative, announced in an official statement on Tuesday, aims to address the longstanding lack of telecom services on this critical route, which connects the port cities of Karachi and Gwadar along Pakistan’s southern coast.
The Makran Coastal Highway is vital for regional trade and security, yet it has historically suffered from poor digital connectivity. The introduction of the national roaming service is seen as a major step forward in improving infrastructure in the region.
The initiative was officially launched during a ceremony at the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Headquarters in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Ministry of Information Technology & Telecom, PTA, Universal Service Fund (USF), and telecom companies Jazz and Ufone.
“This initiative is not just a technological upgrade but a public service effort by the government to enhance the livelihoods of the people in Balochistan, especially those living along the Makran Coastal Highway,” the statement read.
Balochistan, one of Pakistan’s most underdeveloped regions, has long struggled with inadequate digital connectivity and basic infrastructure. While various development initiatives have been launched by the government, progress has often been hampered by local grievances and a lack of trust in authorities. Additionally, areas along the Makran Coastal Highway, including Gwadar, remain reliant on electricity imported from Iran, underscoring the ongoing infrastructural challenges in the region.
