Islamabad – Torrential rains and flash floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) severely damaged more than 200 telecom towers across Swat, Buner, and Shangla, disrupting communications at a critical time for rescue operations.
In response, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), working with telecom operators, restored nearly 85% of affected sites within 48 hours, ensuring vital connectivity for rescue and relief efforts. PTA teams were deployed immediately to the flood-hit regions, coordinating with federal and provincial authorities, local administrations, and mobile operators to fast-track restoration.
Local leaders, including Minister for Political Affairs Amir Muqam and MNA Gohar Ali Khan, praised PTA’s rapid action, calling it a testament to both the resilience of Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and PTA’s commitment to ensuring service continuity in emergencies.
Free Connectivity Offers from Operators
To further support communities in crisis, all major telecom operators announced free communication services in the worst-hit districts:
- Jazz: Free on-net and PTCL calls for subscribers in flood-affected KP areas.
- Telenor Pakistan: Free minutes for users in KP and Gilgit-Baltistan to keep families connected and ensure access to relief agencies.
- Zong 4G: 30 free on-net minutes and 30 SMS (valid for three days) in affected areas to maintain communication lines.
- Ufone 4G: Free minutes for subscribers in Bajaur, Buner, Battagram, and Batal (Mansehra) to connect with loved ones and emergency responders.
Resilient Digital Infrastructure in Emergencies
PTA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening network resilience in disaster-prone regions. Officials emphasized that uninterrupted connectivity is a lifeline during emergencies, enabling citizens to mobilize resources, reach emergency services, and remain in contact with family members.
