Pakistan says weak connectivity harms tourism and rescue operations
In Gilgit, Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain said that the poor state of mobile connectivity in the region harms tourism and significantly complicates rescue operations and the provision of aid during emergencies. He said this on September 5 at a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on the Cabinet Secretariat.
Satellite communications for the region
As Dawn reports, Hussain stressed the need for satellite communications to monitor Gilgit-Baltistan's 7,000 glaciers and respond effectively to natural disasters. According to him, fiber-optic networks may be a solution mainly for urban areas, while their capabilities are limited in mountainous and hard-to-reach terrain.
The head of the regional government also called on the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to more actively ensure stable internet access. He noted that the Special Communications Organization is a service provider, while regulatory functions should be performed by the telecommunication authority itself.
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Measures to improve internet service
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Chairman, retired General Hafeezur Rehman, told the committee that the agency, on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz, is taking measures to improve internet services in Gilgit-Baltistan. According to him, the authority will examine connectivity obstacles in the region and take the necessary steps.
Senate committee chairman Mahmood-ul-Hassan said that low internet speed remains a serious problem for the region, which is visited by thousands of tourists every year. He announced another meeting in Gilgit with the participation of stakeholders and private network operators.
Fuel reserves and technology zone
The meeting also discussed disaster preparedness, early warning systems, rescue resources, and funding. Representatives of the oil and gas sector regulator said that the existing fuel storage capacity in the region makes it possible to build reserves for 20–30 days. Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti instructed that storage capacity for petroleum products and liquefied gas be increased. In addition, Special Technology Zones Authority Chairman Azfar Manzoor said he was ready to continue work on establishing a special technology zone in Gilgit-Baltistan.
