Residents of Chitral and surrounding remote areas continue to experience severe disruptions in internet and mobile connectivity, according to the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication, chaired by Palwasha Khan. Lawmakers highlighted that mobile services frequently disappear after sunset, leaving communities cut off from essential communication channels. Senator Talha Mahmood described the situation as a “worst-case scenario,” noting that despite billions allocated to the Universal Service Fund (USF), much of the money remains unutilized even as complaints from Lower and Upper Chitral increase. Residents and officials alike are raising concerns about when allocated funds will translate into meaningful improvements in connectivity.
Officials from the Ministry of IT confirmed that a USF-backed Optical Fiber project has been launched to improve internet infrastructure in Chitral. Chaudhry Mudassar Naveed, CEO of USF, requested detailed information on the areas most affected by connectivity outages, promising that upcoming projects will target these regions. While the government continues to roll out 5G services in major urban centers, communities in Chitral and other remote areas remain largely disconnected, raising questions about equitable access to digital infrastructure and the practical benefits of next-generation networks in regions that still struggle with basic internet and mobile service.
To ensure ongoing oversight and accountability, the senate committee agreed to form a sub-committee specifically focused on improving mobile and internet services in remote areas. Led by Senator Sadia Abbasi, the sub-committee will investigate frequent outages, monitor the operations of telecom providers, and recommend practical measures to expand access. The initiative reflects a growing recognition that digital growth in Pakistan cannot be limited to urban centers and that remote regions require sustained attention, investment, and infrastructure development.
Despite repeated investments and billions sitting in the USF, residents of Chitral continue to face slow, unreliable internet and disappearing mobile signals after sunset. This ongoing gap underscores a challenge for Pakistan’s digital strategy, particularly as high-speed 5G networks are introduced elsewhere in the country. For residents of far-flung regions, connectivity remains inconsistent, leaving many to question how future advancements in mobile technology will reach them. The situation emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, sustained monitoring, and full utilization of allocated funds to ensure that all communities benefit from the country’s digital expansion initiatives.
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