Islamabad( The COW News Digital) Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that mobile phone operators, in collaboration with the regulator, are providing free on-net voice calls to users in flood-affected areas. This initiative aims to ensure that residents can stay connected with their families and emergency services despite the severe flooding that has disrupted communication networks across the country.
According to PTA, this measure allows users to make calls even with zero balance, enabling them to contact loved ones, request emergency assistance, and coordinate relief efforts in affected regions. By offering this service, authorities hope to mitigate the challenges posed by disrupted telecommunications infrastructure during this critical period.
The announcement comes as Pakistan continues to battle the aftermath of unprecedented monsoon rains, which have caused widespread destruction, displacing millions and damaging homes, roads, and utilities. Communication has been a major challenge in many remote and heavily flooded areas, making the PTA’s initiative a vital lifeline for residents and responders alike.
PTA further reported that over 72 percent of telecom sites in the affected regions have been restored, allowing for improved connectivity and communication. Efforts are ongoing to bring the remaining sites back online as quickly as possible. The regulator emphasized that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that services are fully restored and accessible to everyone in the impacted areas.
Officials highlighted that maintaining communication is crucial for effective disaster management, relief distribution, and emergency response coordination. Free voice calls not only help families reconnect but also facilitate contact with healthcare providers, rescue teams, and government authorities working on the ground.
The initiative underscores the importance of resilient telecommunication systems in times of crisis and demonstrates a proactive approach by both the government and private sector to support affected communities. Experts say such measures are critical to reduce the social and logistical impact of natural disasters, ensuring that information and assistance can flow without interruption.
As Pakistan continues recovery operations, the collaboration between PTA and mobile operators is expected to play a pivotal role in keeping communities connected and informed, providing a vital tool for survival and relief efforts in the wake of one of the country’s most challenging flood events in recent history.
