PTA directs operators to provide free calling facility in calamity-hit Murree

In view of emergency situation in Murree and other Galyat areas, mobile phone users in disaster-hit areas have been provided with free on-net calling facility on the directives of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

“On the directions of PTA, cellular mobile operators have extended free calling facility on their own network to users, with zero balance, stranded in Galyat areas. Users may contact their concerned operators for more info,” the PTA said on its official Twitter handle.

Moreover, the PTA has also directed all telecom operators to ensure uninterrupted services to users and keep enough back up arrangements in case of power outages.

Meanwhile, private mobile operator company, Jazz has announced free on-net and PTCL calls to all its customers in Murree and Nathiagali to support rescue missions and help ensure essential connectivity in the calamity-hit areas.

“Jazz stands with the nation during this calamity in Murree. Our teams are playing their part and working in extreme conditions to keep essential communication services switched on to aid rescue efforts and support the stranded with the hope they will be rescued at the soonest,” said the company’s CEO Aamir Ibrahim in a statement on Sunday.

At least 22 tourists stranded in their vehicles during a snowstorm in Murree died on Friday night, rescue and government officials confirmed on Saturday.

Also read: Calamity in Murree as at least 22 tourists freeze to death in cars

The tragedy occurred because of the negligence of the local authorities as they allowed 13,000 vehicles onto routes that could only accommodate 4,000.

Police reported that at least eight people had frozen to death in their cars, while it was not immediately clear if others had died from asphyxiation after inhaling exhaust fumes in snow-bound vehicles.

Video shared on social media showed cars packed bumper-to-bumper, with one-metre-high (three-foot) piles of snow on their roofs. They also showed entire families, including children, lying dead in their snow-covered vehicles.

Earlier, the cellular company had pledged Rs1.2 billion to support Covid-19 relief efforts in the shape of short to mid-term initiatives revolving around vulnerable communities, and health and welfare organisations.