Pakistan Shuts Down Internet in Balochistan After US President Trump’s Trade Ties Shift Away from India
On August 8, 2025, Pakistan abruptly shut down internet services across Balochistan, a move that has sparked speculation about its connection to recent U.S. trade developments under President Donald Trump. Trump’s announcement of a trade deal with Pakistan, coupled with punitive tariffs on India, has shifted regional dynamics, raising tensions and prompting questions about Pakistan’s motives in Balochistan. This blog explores the internet shutdown, its potential links to U.S.-Pakistan trade ties, and the broader implications for South Asia’s geopolitical landscape.
The Internet Shutdown in Balochistan
Pakistan’s government imposed a near-total internet blackout in Balochistan, its largest but sparsely populated province, starting August 7, 2025. The shutdown disrupted mobile data, Wi-Fi, and broadband services, affecting millions of residents. Official statements cite “security concerns” following protests by Baloch activists against Trump’s trade deal, which includes U.S. assistance in developing Pakistan’s “massive oil reserves” in Balochistan. Posts on X indicate local outrage, with activists claiming the deal exploits Balochistan’s resources without local consent, accusing Pakistan of betraying the region’s autonomy.
Balochistan has long been a flashpoint for separatist movements, with groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) opposing resource extraction by Pakistan and foreign entities, including China’s China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. The internet blackout, a tactic Pakistan has used before to suppress dissent, is seen as an attempt to curb protests and limit communication among activists. However, it has also disrupted daily life, affecting businesses, education, and access to emergency services, drawing criticism from human rights groups.
Trump’s Trade Pivot: Pakistan Over India
The internet shutdown coincides with a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Trump. On July 30, 2025, Trump announced a trade deal with Pakistan, offering a preferential 19% tariff rate (down from 29%) and U.S. assistance in developing oil reserves, while suggesting Pakistan could “someday” sell oil to India. This deal followed Trump’s hosting of Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, at the White House, a move that raised eyebrows in New Delhi given its timing after a deadly April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, which killed 26 civilians and escalated India-Pakistan tensions.
In contrast, Trump imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports, including an additional 25% penalty for India’s purchase of Russian oil and military equipment, citing its role in “funding Russia’s war” in Ukraine. India’s government called the tariffs “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable,” emphasizing its need for affordable energy to support its 1.4 billion population. Trump’s favorable treatment of Pakistan, including his claim of brokering a May 2025 India-Pakistan ceasefire (denied by India), has strained U.S.-India relations, with Indian leaders rejecting U.S. mediation in the Kashmir dispute.
Why Balochistan?
Balochistan’s strategic importance lies in its vast, largely untapped natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals. Trump’s deal has spotlighted these reserves, but Baloch activists argue that Pakistan’s central government is exploiting the region without benefiting its people. A prominent X post declared, “Balochistan is not for sale,” reflecting local sentiment that the province’s wealth is being misappropriated. The BLA and other groups have previously targeted foreign workers, including Chinese nationals on CPEC projects, citing similar grievances.
The internet shutdown appears to be a preemptive measure to stifle protests and prevent the spread of anti-government sentiment online. Pakistan’s history of internet restrictions in Balochistan—often during military operations or protests—suggests a pattern of control. However, the timing, immediately after Trump’s trade announcement, points to heightened sensitivity around U.S. involvement in the region’s resources.
Geopolitical Implications
The U.S.-Pakistan trade deal and Balochistan’s internet blackout have far-reaching consequences:
Strained U.S.-India Relations: Trump’s tariffs and cozying up to Pakistan have pushed U.S.-India ties to their lowest point in years. India, a key U.S. partner in the Indo-Pacific, is now exploring stronger ties with China and the EU to counterbalance U.S. pressure. The failed U.S.-India trade talks, despite initial optimism for a $500 billion bilateral trade target by 2030, highlight miscalculations on both sides.
Pakistan’s Balancing Act: Pakistan’s alignment with the U.S. risks straining its ties with China, a major investor in CPEC. Posts on X suggest Pakistan may have “betrayed” China by partnering with the U.S. on oil exploration. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s government faces domestic pressure to disclose details of the trade deal, with opposition parties like PTI demanding transparency on resource rights.
Balochistan’s Volatility: The internet shutdown may temporarily suppress protests, but it risks escalating tensions. Baloch separatists have warned of increased resistance, and security risks for U.S. companies operating in the region are high due to militant activity. The blackout also isolates communities, potentially fueling resentment and unrest.
Regional Stability: Trump’s claim of averting an India-Pakistan “nuclear conflict” through trade leverage has been debunked by India, which insists the ceasefire was bilateral. His comments, alongside the trade deal with Pakistan, have inflamed Indian public opinion, with opposition leaders accusing the Modi government of diplomatic failure. This could destabilize India-Pakistan relations further, especially in Kashmir.
Humanitarian and Economic Concerns
The internet shutdown in Balochistan has immediate consequences for residents. Businesses reliant on online transactions, students accessing remote education, and families communicating with relatives are cut off. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned such shutdowns as violations of free expression and access to information. The economic impact is significant in a region already plagued by poverty and underdevelopment.
Moreover, the U.S.-Pakistan deal raises questions about equitable resource distribution. Baloch activists argue that profits from oil and gas will likely benefit Pakistan’s central government and foreign companies, not local communities. This could deepen grievances, potentially leading to more violence.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s internet shutdown in Balochistan, following Trump’s trade deal announcement, reflects a complex interplay of domestic control and international geopolitics. The U.S.’s pivot toward Pakistan, at the expense of India, has heightened regional tensions and sparked local unrest in Balochistan. While Trump touts the deal as a win for peace and economic cooperation, it risks alienating India and fueling conflict in an already volatile region. As Pakistan navigates its new U.S. partnership and suppresses dissent in Balochistan, the path forward remains fraught with challenges. The international community must monitor the humanitarian fallout and advocate for transparency and equitable development in the region.
Disclaimer: This blog is based on news reports and public sentiment as of August 8, 2025. Information is subject to change, and claims on X are not conclusive evidence. For updates, consult credible news sources.
