Over 60% of Pakistan is presently under water, making these floods the worst to hit the nation in decades. The floods have wiped out what little they had while also making hundreds of thousands of people homeless.
The Met Office does not anticipate a quick end to the destructive monsoon period, thus the devastation is only set to worsen in the days ahead, adding to the anguish of the already traumatised.
While everyone is attempting to ease the burden on those impacted, Pakistan’s telecom regulator and cellular mobile companies have teamed together to at least maintain connectivity for those living in flood-stricken regions during these trying times.
PTA just tweeted that all cell providers, including normal ones, are offering their full assistance to flood victims at this difficult time. In flood-affected areas, CMOs would provide free on-net phone calls with no balance, PTA said.
The regulator also stated that it is making every effort to maintain connection in the flood-affected areas, while acknowledging the critical role played by telcos in delivering prompt relief for flood victims across Pakistan.
In order to efficiently meet the demand, cellular companies have already begun to publicise their unique free call offerings.
Jazz – On-Net for Free with PTCL Calls
Leading telecom and digital service provider Jazz in Pakistan has provided free calls between Jazz and PTCL and Jazz to Jazz across Baluchistan, Sindh, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Jazz has also stated that it would soon reveal plans to work with federal agencies to supply emergency supplies to the flood-affected communities.
Telenor –No-cost On-Net Calls
The free calls offer from Telenor, Pakistan’s second-largest phone provider, is also available to anyone impacted by the floods.
In sections of the nation that have been badly affected, Telenor Pakistan is providing free Telenor-to-Telenor calls so that locals may keep in touch with their loved ones and contact the appropriate authorities for assistance during this trying time.
Ufone – Free On-Net and PTCL Calls
In the flood-affected areas, Ufone is also providing free calls between Ufones and on PTCL lines as part of its free call promotion for flood victims. Customers on both prepaid and postpaid plans are eligible for this deal.
The promotion, according to Ufone, is currently available in the following cities: Barkhan, Sibi, Kalat, Matiari, Bolan, Jacobabad, Mastung, Naushahro Firoz, Ghotki, Shikarpur, Musakhel, Khairpur, Naseerabad, Kashmore, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allah Yar, Sukkur, Rajanpur, Jaffarabad, Larkana, Thatta, Dadu.
Ufone customers can avail of the facility by dialing *4357#.
PM’s Flood Relief Fund 2022
Additionally, PTA has unveiled a new SMS contribution code for flood assistance. Now, you may give money to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022 by dialling the shortcode 9999.
By sending the word “fund” to 9999 in the SMS option, you may make donations of Rs. 10 or more. Additionally, you may donate money by placing it in Flood Relief Fund Account No. “G-12164.”
According to a notice released by PTA, all mobile network providers in Pakistan have been ordered to inform the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) about the donations they have received.
To help the victims of terrible floods, the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022 was established earlier this month.