Poor connectivity in Gilgit-Baltistan hampers tourism and disaster response, CM tells Senate panel

Chief Minister Hussain emphasized the critical need for satellite connectivity in Gilgit-Baltistan during a Senate Standing Committee meeting on Friday. He explained that such connectivity was essential for monitoring the region's 7,000 glaciers and ensuring effective disaster management to protect the area from natural catastrophes.

Hussain directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to take a proactive role in improving internet connectivity, stating that fiber-optic connectivity was only feasible in urban areas while satellite connectivity was the best option for other mountainous and hard-to-reach regions. He highlighted the recent Nepal disaster as an example of the importance of such connectivity for natural disaster monitoring.

PTA Chairman Gen Hafeezur Rehman assured the committee that the authority was taking measures to enhance internet services in GB, following Prime Minister Shehbaz's directives. The committee emphasized the need to strengthen the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in dealing with natural disasters in Gilgit-Baltistan and stressed the importance of improving internet services for the region's tourism industry and overall development.