The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has called for improved coordination among government departments, contractors, and telecom operators to prevent repeated fiber optic cable cuts disrupting communication services in the Chitral region. In an official letter issued by the PTA Zonal Office in Peshawar, the authority stressed the need for immediate action to safeguard critical telecom infrastructure during road construction and excavation activities.

In an official letter issued by the PTA Zonal Office in Peshawar, the authority stressed the need for immediate action to safeguard critical telecom infrastructure during road construction and excavation activities.

According to the document, the PTA said frequent fiber cuts in Upper and Lower Chitral have largely been linked to development work being carried out under the National Highway Authority.

The authority noted that earlier warnings and coordination requests had already been issued through letters dated August 27, 2025, and November 24, 2025, but the issue continues to persist, affecting telecom connectivity and public communication services in the mountainous region.

The PTA stated that under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996, it is responsible for protecting the interests of telecom users and ensuring uninterrupted communication services across the country.

The authority emphasized that all stakeholders, particularly NHA project teams, contractors, and telecom operators, must establish a formal coordination mechanism before beginning excavation or construction work. The proposed measures include timely information sharing and joint site assessments aimed at identifying and protecting underground telecom infrastructure.

In the letter, PTA directed the General Manager (Construction), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of the NHA, to instruct all concerned formations and contractors to strictly comply with coordination protocols involving telecom operators.

The regulator warned that avoidable fiber cuts not only interrupt communication services but also create difficulties for residents, businesses, and emergency response systems operating in remote districts like Chitral.

The PTA also shared contact details of focal persons from major telecom operators, including Zong, Ufone, Telenor Pakistan, Jazz, and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited, to facilitate coordination with relevant departments.

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