Summary Authorities have attributed slow internet and telecom disruptions in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to infrastructure damage caused by floods and landslides
MUZAFFARABAD (Dunya News) – The reasons behind slow internet speeds and disruptions to telecom services in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan have emerged, with official documents pointing to extensive infrastructure damage caused by floods and heavy rains.
According to documents from the Special Communications Organisation (SCO), communication infrastructure damaged by rains, floods and landslides last year has yet to be fully restored, with many affected networks currently operating through temporary arrangements.
The documents stated that several communication systems in affected areas continue to operate at reduced capacity, increasing pressure on networks and contributing to service disruptions and congestion.
Large-scale damage was reported to optical fibre networks, poles and telecom installations following flooding, prompting SCO to seek additional funding of Rs1.018 billion for restoration efforts.
According to the documents, heavy rains and floods during July and August 2025 severely affected communication systems across Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, disrupting connectivity services in multiple areas.
The estimated loss to optical fibre and transmission infrastructure alone stands at Rs464.4 million, with around 40 kilometres of underground fibre and 60 kilometres of aerial optical fibre cable affected.
The documents further revealed that damage included the destruction of 1,000 poles, associated equipment and 54 kilometres of copper cable. Fibre links connecting Bagh-Rera, Hunza-Sost, Kotli-Rawalakot and Uchhar Nala-Dاسو Dam were among the severely affected routes.
SCO said civil works infrastructure at 25 telecom sites also suffered flood damage, with losses to civil works and telecom sites estimated at Rs200 million. Additionally, 15 solar energy systems and associated infrastructure were destroyed.
The documents added that 25 earthing points were damaged during natural disasters, affecting overall network performance. Temporary restoration measures were implemented using available resources to resume communication services on an emergency basis.
However, SCO warned that temporary arrangements are not a permanent solution and remain vulnerable to recurring faults, while several systems continue operating below capacity, leading to repeated interruptions and network congestion.
The organisation has requested the Ministry of IT to immediately release Rs1.018 billion to support permanent restoration and repair large-scale damage.
