PTA announced that nearly 80 percent of the 2,400 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) disrupted across Karachi have been restored after torrential rains earlier this week left much of the city paralyzed. The heavy downpour triggered massive flooding and power outages, cutting off mobile networks and internet connectivity for millions of users in the country’s largest urban center. Restoration work has been underway on an emergency basis as teams from PTA and telecom operators continue round-the-clock efforts to bring services back online.
Officials explained that the unprecedented rainfall inundated several low-lying neighborhoods, posing severe challenges for network infrastructure. Despite operators having in place a three-tier power support system, which includes direct electricity, generator backup, and battery reserves, many telecom sites were overwhelmed as water entered facilities and damaged critical equipment. As a result, services in a significant portion of Karachi were temporarily suspended, causing disruptions in communication at a time when residents were dealing with the broader impacts of flooding.
PTA stated that restoration work is progressing steadily, with technicians focusing on sites where water has receded sufficiently to allow access to equipment. In these zones, mobile and internet services have been reestablished, while work continues in harder-hit areas that remain submerged. According to a PTA spokesperson, priority is being given to critical localities so that residents can reconnect with families and access emergency services. The spokesperson emphasized that services are gradually stabilizing and that more progress is expected as conditions on the ground improve.
The disruption also extended beyond Karachi. PTCL exchanges located in affected low-lying areas suffered significant outages, causing ripple effects for connectivity nationwide. Since PTCL functions as the backbone network for many internet service providers, cities including Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar experienced intermittent connectivity issues. Engineers are currently assessing the extent of damage to underground cables and exchange systems to determine what additional repairs will be required. Meanwhile, contingency measures such as traffic rerouting have been implemented to maintain stability in internet services across Pakistan.
Officials noted that while the restoration of 80 percent of BTS in Karachi represents a major step forward, complete recovery will depend on the pace of water drainage and the weather outlook in the days ahead. With more rain forecast, telecom operators and PTA teams remain on high alert to respond to potential new outages. For now, the focus remains on restoring reliable communication in Karachi, a city where telecom and internet access is essential for both daily life and business continuity.
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