MPAs protest mobile service suspension

Lawmakers demand restoration of networks in Bannu, Bajaur and Tank

PESHAWAR:

Government and opposition members of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Monday strongly protested the closure of mobile towers and suspension of signals in Bannu, Bajaur, and Tank districts, highlighting severe hardships faced by local residents.

Tensions peaked when ruling MPA Pakhtoon Yar Khan staged a walkout after receiving no satisfactory response from the concerned minister regarding the complete shutdown of mobile services in Bannu. He was later persuaded to return to the House following assurances from Deputy Speaker Suraya Bibi.

Speaking on a point of order, Pakhtoon Yar Khan said mobile networks in Bannu were entirely suspended, creating the impression that a curfew was in force and normal life had come to a standstill.

Earlier, Special Assistant on Technical Education Usman Betani raised the issue of mobile tower closures in Tank.

MPA Anwar Zeb shed light on the prolonged suspension of mobile and internet services in Bajaur, noting it had been ongoing for several months.

ANP lawmaker Nisar Baz, speaking from the opposition benches, highlighted daily bomb blasts and targeted killings in Bajaur, which he said reflected a weakening of government writ.

In her remarks, Deputy Speaker Suraya Bibi noted that mobile services fall under federal jurisdiction and directed the convening of a provincial coordination committee meeting to resolve the issue.

Later, Provincial Law Minister Aftab Alam informed the House that no military operation or curfew was in place in Bannu. He said only routine intelligence-based operations were being conducted, which were necessary.

Pakhtoon Yar Khan countered by referring to an official announcement on the Deputy Commissioner Bannu's social media page, which cited government directives for a curfew and mobile service suspension, leading to the postponement of ETA tests. He demanded to know who was giving misleading information to the Law Minister.

The Deputy Speaker intervened when Pakhtoon Yar repeatedly questioned the minister's awareness and directed the Home Department to prepare a detailed report, hold meetings with relevant authorities, and present a factual report in the House.

Separately, Assembly passed the Kalash Marriage Bill 2026. Law Minister Aftab Alam moved the bill, which aims to provide formal registration and legal protection for marriages in the Kalash community. The bill includes conditions such as mental fitness, a minimum age of 18 years, and prohibition of certain relationships. Marriages will require consent of both parties, and cousin marriages will be banned. Registration will be mandatory through a designated local registrar, with records maintained in government offices. Traditional customs will apply to divorce and separation, while inheritance rights after a husband's death will follow customary practices. Violations, false information, or failure to register will attract fines and imprisonment.