Poor connectivity in GB hampers tourism, disaster response

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• Chief Minister Hussain says satellite connectivity essential to monitor 7,000 glaciers, protect region from catastrophe • Senate committee directs measures to improve internet, oil and LPG supplies in the region GILGIT: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain informed a parliamentary committee on Friday the poor state of cellular connectivity in the region not only affected tourism but also severely hampered relief and rescue operations during emergencies. Addressing a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, presided over by its chairman Senator Mahmood-ul-Hassan, at the GB Assembly in Gilgit, CM Hussain said satellite connectivity was essential for monitoring the 7,000 glaciers in GB and ensuring effective disaster management to protect the region from any major catastrophe. He said the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) should play a proactive role in ensuring stable internet connectivity in GB. He clarified that the Special Com­munications Organisation (SCO) was merely a service provider and, therefore, the PTA should fulfil its responsibilities as the regulator. He said fibre-optic connectivity was feasible only in the urban areas, while it was a limited option for other mountainous and difficult-to-access areas. CM Hussain said satellite connectivity was essential for monitoring glaciers and keeping track of natural disasters in the region, citing the recent natural disaster in Nepal as an example of the importance of such connectivity. He added that effective disaster response was possible only through coordination among all relevant institutions. PTA Chairman retired Gen Hafeezur Rehman told the committee that, in accordance with the directives of PM Shehbaz, the authority was taking measures to improve internet services in GB. He said obstacles and challenges affecting internet connectivity in the region would be reviewed and necessary steps would be taken to address them. The committee chairman said GB was amo­ng the most beautiful regions in the world and attracted thousands of tourists every year, but slow internet speeds remained a major issue and required immediate attention. He said no country or region could develop in the modern era without reliable internet connectivity. Therefore, Senator Hassan said, it was essential to provide the GB people with modern, high-speed and quality internet services. He said another meeting would be held in Gilgit, inviting all relevant stakeholders and private network companies to discuss improvements in internet services. Senior officials of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) briefed the committee on disaster preparedness, early warning systems, rescue facilities and available funds in GB. They also briefed the committee on the damage caused by floods, landslides, avalanches and other natural disasters during the past five years, compensation paid to victims, and relief and rescue operations. The committee chairman stressed the need to further strengthen the role of the NDMA in dealing with natural disasters in GB. He said floods and other natural disasters had caused extensive damage in various parts of the reg­ion, making it essential to ensure the timely provision of assistance to affected communities. Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) Chairman Nabeel Awan briefed the committee on the availability, transportation and storage of petroleum products and LPG in GB. He said the region had sufficient storage capacity to maintain oil reserves capable of meeting its requirements for 20 to 30 days. He also briefed the committee on oil storage facilities in Baltistan division. Senator Aamir Waliuddin Chishti directed that oil and LPG storage capacity in GB be increased. He asked Ogra officials to effectively raise issues related to oil and LPG storage in GB with the federal petroleum ministry and take necessary measures for their permanent resolution. Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) Chairman Azfar Manzoor briefed the committee via video link on various issues concerning GB. He said the authority had previously taken steps towards establishing a special technology zone in the region and was ready to continue playing its role in this regard. The body chairman said GB was a tax-free region and, therefore, there should be no technical difficulty in establishing a special technology zone in the region. Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2026

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