Telenor Pakistan is providing free telecommunication services to Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) in Hunza to assist in emergency communications regarding the situation in Attabad and surrounding areas. Telenor Pakistan is the only service provider for cellular services in the area.
PBC has established an FM radio station in Hunza Valley to keep residents informed of developments regarding the rapidly changing situation in and around Attabad. Telenor Pakistan is providing free handsets, SIMs, free airtime and EDGE sticks to reporters and other PBC staff.
Murtaza Solangi, Director-General PBC while welcoming Telenor Pakistan’s contribution said: “We appreciate Telenor Pakistan’s support and cooperation in providing the necessary communication services as these will help us to ensure that credible and timely information is conveyed to those affected by the rising water levels of the Attabad Lake and the Hunza River.â€
Affan Haider, Head of Corporate Communications, Telenor Pakistan commenting on the initiative said: “The Gilgit-Baltistan area holds special significance for us as we were one of the first mobile operators to begin services there. We have also been at the forefront of disaster response in the area. By offering telecommunication services to PBC reporters and staff in Hunza, we hope to contribute towards the relief efforts for the affected residents of Attabad and surrounding areas.â€
Earlier this year, Telenor Pakistan presented a cheque of Rs. 2 million to Qamar Zaman Kaira, the Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting and then Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan to augment the Government’s efforts to help those affected by the land-sliding in Attabad.
Telenor Pakistan runs an active corporate responsibility program that comprises community support initiatives intended at social change.