Fiber Connectivity in GB restored

GILGIT -- Optical fiber connectivity across several parts of Gilgit-Baltistan has been restored after landslides and heavy rainfall damaged communication lines earlier this month, according to the Special Communications Organization (SCO).

A press release issued by SCO said that between March 7 and March 9, severe rains and landslides caused multiple cuts in optical fiber cables in the areas of Upper Kohistan, Lower Kohistan, Darel and Tangir.

Due to continuous rainfall, harsh weather conditions and road closures, restoration work could not begin immediately. However, from March 10, SCO dispatched optical fiber maintenance teams to the affected locations where they carried out repair operations under difficult circumstances.

The teams repaired damaged cables and laid new optical fiber at several locations between Shatial, Darel, Tangir, Dasu, Besham and Boshidas. In addition, several jointing kits were replaced and refreshed to stabilize the network.

Officials said the optical fiber link between Dasu and Besham was restored on March 12, while communication links between Shatial and Darel, and Shatial and Tangir, were restored on March 13. Similarly, the optical fiber service between Dasu and Boshidas, and between Shatial and Barsin, was fully restored on March 15. Work to further improve optical signal levels is continuing.

SCO officials said internet and communication services in Gilgit-Baltistan did not collapse completely during the disruption as an alternative communication route through Babusar Top remained operational.

Authorities added that nearly 41 kilometres of optical fiber cable between Sazin and Keigah passes through extremely rugged mountainous terrain, where teams often have to climb steep slopes to carry out maintenance work. Temporary road closures between Keigah and Samar Nala due to construction work on the Karakoram Highway also created hurdles for the repair teams.

Despite these challenges, SCO teams continued their efforts and successfully restored communication links in the affected areas.

Gilgit-Baltistan, located in Pakistan’s far north and surrounded by some of the world’s highest mountain ranges, frequently experiences communication disruptions due to landslides, extreme weather and fragile road infrastructure along the Karakoram Highway corridor. Maintaining telecommunications services in such terrain remains a persistent challenge for operators.