Poor connectivity in GB hampers tourism, disaster response

Chief Minister Amjad Hussain informed a Senate committee that poor cellular connectivity in Gilgit-Baltistan not only impacted tourism but also severely disrupted emergency relief and rescue operations. He emphasized the critical importance of satellite connectivity for monitoring the region's 7,000 glaciers and managing potential natural disasters.

Senator Mahmood-ul-Hassan, the committee chairman, urged the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to assume a proactive role in ensuring stable internet connectivity, asserting that the Special Communications Organisation (SCO) serves merely as a service provider. Hussain clarified that fibre-optic connectivity was only feasible in urban areas, leaving mountainous and remote regions with limited connectivity options.

He highlighted the example of Nepal's recent natural disaster to underscore the significance of satellite connectivity for effective disaster response, emphasizing the need for coordination among all relevant institutions. The PTA Chairman, Gen Hafeezur Rehman, assured the committee that the authority was taking measures to improve internet services in Gilgit-Baltistan, promising to address the obstacles and challenges affecting connectivity in the region.

The committee chairman stressed that no region could thrive in the modern era without reliable internet, stressing the urgency of providing GB with modern, high-speed, and quality internet services. The National Disaster Management Authority briefed the committee on disaster preparedness, early warning systems, rescue facilities, and available funds, highlighting the damage caused by floods, landslides, avalanches, and other natural disasters over the past five years.

Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority Chairman Nabeel Awan briefed the committee on oil and LPG storage capacity in Gilgit-Baltistan, suggesting an increase in storage capacity. Senator Aamir Waliuddin Chishti directed the Ogra officials to raise issues related to oil and LPG storage with the federal petroleum ministry. Special Technology Zones Authority Chairman Azfar Manzoor explained the authority's efforts to establish a special technology zone in Gilgit-Baltistan, noting that the tax-free region would not present technical difficulties in this regard.