Pakistan's interior ministry suspended cellular internet services across Balochistan from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Republic Day, citing security concerns. Provincial authorities said mobile networks were temporarily shut down in several cities to address potential threats and protect the public, though specific locations were not disclosed.

Officials in Pakistan often restrict mobile services before major public events in high-risk areas to prevent militant coordination and the remote detonation of explosive devices. Balochistan, the country's largest and least developed province, has faced a long-running separatist insurgency that has intensified in recent months, with attacks targeting security forces, officials, civilians, and infrastructure linked to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Pakistan has accused India of backing separatist groups in the province and has also alleged that Afghanistan provides them safe havens, claims both countries deny. Republic Day marks the 1940 Lahore Resolution calling for a separate Muslim homeland and is typically observed with ceremonies and a military parade, though this year's parade was canceled due to austerity measures amid a global oil crisis tied to conflict in the Middle East.