The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has instructed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and telecom operators nationwide to activate emergency response plans in anticipation of heavy monsoon rains and potential flash flooding.
The directive aims to ensure the resilience of Pakistan’s telecommunications network by requiring all relevant organizations to remain on high alert and take preventive measures to safeguard critical infrastructure from weather-related damage.
Under the ministry’s instructions, the PTA has been asked to activate its emergency control room to closely monitor developments and coordinate response efforts. The regulator will also work in close coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to ensure a timely and coordinated response in the event of flooding or other emergencies.
Telecom companies have been directed to collaborate with Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and local district administrations, particularly in areas identified as vulnerable to flooding. Operators are expected to continuously monitor weather forecasts, assess risks to network infrastructure, and implement precautionary measures to reduce the likelihood of service disruptions.
The ministry stressed the importance of maintaining uninterrupted communication services during emergencies, noting that reliable telecom networks are essential for public safety and disaster response. Operators have therefore been instructed to closely monitor network performance in flood-prone regions, keep technical restoration teams on standby, and begin repair work immediately if infrastructure is damaged.
The precautionary measures come ahead of Pakistan’s annual monsoon season, which frequently brings heavy rainfall and flash floods that disrupt communication services in various parts of the country. The government has stepped up preparedness after last year’s monsoon caused damage to telecom infrastructure in several regions, leading to service interruptions and restoration challenges.
