HATTIAN BALA (Kashmir English): A peaceful protest was held in Hattian Bala against the poor cellular service, expensive packages, and substandard internet facilities provided by telecommunication companies operating in the area.
The protest, led by civil society representatives, including Owais Khan, Altaf Butt, Chaudhry Kamran, Kashif Abbasi, Afaf Awan, and Raja Saghir Aziz, drew strong public support.
While addressing the gathering, the speakers severely criticized the irresponsible policies of the network companies and said that the daily service disruptions, weak signals, and excessively expensive internet packages have become a nuisance for the people.
During the protest, the speakers gave a seven-day ultimatum to the mobile companies to bring immediate and clear improvements in their services; otherwise, the public reaction will be more severe and widespread.
He said that if there is no improvement, a full-scale protest movement will be launched, and a future course of action will be decided later.
The protest received strong public support, with participants carrying placards and banners with slogans against the companies. The protesters said that now is the time to rein in the digital mafia that is robbing the public with both hands.
The civil society has also demanded that the district administration and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) take immediate notice so that the public can get their rights.
