The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced the provision of free mobile calling facilities for individuals stranded in Murree and the Galliat region due to extreme weather conditions. This emergency initiative was implemented on Sunday following reports of severe disruptions caused by heavy snowfall and traffic gridlocks in the area.
According to an official statement released by the PTA, all mobile phone users currently located in Murree and Galliat — who are out of credit — have been granted immediate access to free on-net calls. This move ensures that those without mobile balance can still contact loved ones or reach out for help during the crisis.
Under PTA’s directive, all major cellular mobile operators have complied by enabling zero-balance users in the Murree and Galliat regions to make free calls within their respective networks. Affected individuals are encouraged to contact their mobile service providers for additional information regarding this temporary relief measure.
The PTA has further instructed telecom companies to maintain uninterrupted services in the affected zones. They have been ordered to implement robust backup systems to ensure continuity in the face of power outages that may result from ongoing adverse weather conditions.
The town of Murree was officially declared a calamity-hit area on January 8, 2022, following the tragic deaths of at least 22 individuals who were trapped in vehicles during a relentless snowstorm. The influx of tourists far exceeded the area’s capacity, resulting in massive traffic congestion. Continuous snowfall overnight exacerbated the situation, causing road blockages and toppling trees that fell onto roads and, in some cases, vehicles.
Television broadcasts showed a line of vehicles stranded in the snow even after Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar ordered urgent rescue operations. Later in the evening, Buzdar stated on social media that all stranded tourists in Murree and Galliat had been relocated to government facilities, where they were provided with food, medicine, blankets, and other essential supplies.
The PTA continues to monitor the situation in Murree and Galliat closely and remains committed to supporting communication needs during this crisis.