The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the GSMA have partnered to enhance digital resilience and strengthen mobile-enabled humanitarian technologies across Pakistan, prioritizing early warning systems and reliable connectivity during emergencies. Leaders from both organizations met at PTA’s Islamabad headquarters to discuss their strategic collaboration, highlighting the importance of robust digital infrastructures for disaster preparedness and response across the country.
The meeting, chaired by PTA’s chairman, highlighted the significance of sectoral growth, technological innovation, and digital transformation within Pakistan’s telecom sector. Delegates from GSMA’s Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation (M4H) programme included Ms. Emma Pearlstone, Strategic Partnerships Manager; Mr. Dulip Tillekeratne, Director of Strategic Partnerships; and Ms. Saira Faisal, Country Lead for Digital Transformation in Pakistan and the Asia Pacific region.
Discussions centered on the application of mobile technology to improve emergency preparedness, particularly through more advanced early warning systems that rapidly disseminate vital information to remote, disaster-prone, and underserved communities. By leveraging mobile networks, the partnership aims to significantly enhance emergency communication channels, ensuring critical information reaches affected populations swiftly and reliably.
Additionally, GSMA representatives outlined their current initiatives, including an advanced online dissemination tracking platform designed to monitor and evaluate mobile alert penetration in real-time. Such technologies facilitate quick assessment of outreach efficiency, ensuring more impactful emergency responses. The delegation also shared insights into global research and best practices for emergency roaming agreements, emphasizing the critical role these agreements play in maintaining connectivity when regular networks experience disruption.
The collaboration underscores a continued commitment from both PTA and GSMA to actively incorporate mobile technology into Pakistan’s humanitarian efforts and resilience planning. Strategic investments and coordinated initiatives in digital infrastructure seek to protect vulnerable populations from natural and man-made emergencies, enabling quicker responses and broader coverage.
Both partners expressed optimism about their ongoing cooperation, pledging to foster inclusive, innovative telecommunications solutions for safety and public welfare. Through this strategic initiative, the PTA and GSMA aim to establish a foundation of smarter and more resilient connectivity, accelerating Pakistan’s journey towards a digitally empowered and prepared future.
