ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has activated a nationwide 911 emergency helpline service to support citizens affected by devastating floods that have killed more than 344 people and left various areas stranded across the country’s northern regions.
Torrential rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods wreaked havoc across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan. Over 344 people have died in the northern regions, with Buner alone reporting more than 150 fatalities.
Entire villages have been washed away, homes destroyed, and livestock and vehicles carried away by raging waters, leaving many survivors stranded as infrastructure and communication lines remain disrupted.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, on the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has activated the emergency 911 helpline to assist citizens during the ongoing flood crisis.
The IT & Telecom Ministry stated that the service will remain functional even in the areas where mobile towers are damaged or inactive, allowing affected individuals to seek urgent help.
Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary calls so that the system stays accessible for genuine emergencies.
Free mobile services in flood-hit areas
Telecom companies, including Jazz and Zong, have announced free mobile services for all subscribers in flood-hit areas of the country.
Jazz has announced free on-net and PTCL calls for all subscribers in flood-hit areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The initiative aims to help affected residents stay connected with loved ones, emergency responders, and relief agencies during one of the most challenging times for the province, according to a news release.
“Our hearts are with everyone affected by the floods. Connectivity is a lifeline in times of crisis, and Jazz is committed to ensuring families and responders can stay connected when they need it most,” said Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz.
Zong has announced 10 free all-network minutes for subscribers in flood-affected regions to enable residents to stay connected with family, emergency responders, and relief agencies during this critical time.
The initiative covers severely impacted districts, including Bagh, Bajaur, Buner, Kotli, Muzaffarabad, and Swat, where heavy rains and flash floods have disrupted lives, damaged homes, and hampered essential communication channels.
PTA, telecom operators working to restore services in flood-hit areas
Meanwhile, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has stated that the authority is closely monitoring the telecom situation in flood-affected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country. Flash floods have damaged several cellular and fixed-line sites, causing service disruptions.
PTA spokesperson in a statement said that teams are on the ground, coordinating with federal and provincial authorities, district administrations, and telecom operators for swift restoration.
In Buner, PTA held meetings with Minister Mr. Ameer Muqaam, Chairman PTI Mr. Gohar Khan, Deputy Commissioner Buner Mr. Kashif Qayum, and senior officials of PTCL and CMOs to review recovery efforts.
PTA, together with operators, is making all-out efforts to restore communication services at the earliest, recognizing their vital role in rescue and relief operations, the spokesperson stated.
