Thread by @imranhunzai

This week I was able to travel to 4 districts in #GilgitBaltistan to meet freelancers and individuals working at various private organizations. Internet issues are far more worrying than I knew previously.

#Internet4GilgitBaltistan

(1/10)

Within the densely populated Gilgit city, there are a number of neighborhoods that don't even get signals of one of the major telecom operators that provide 3G/4G services. In areas of Sonikot, you have to get to the roof to catch signals.

#Internet4GilgitBaltistan

(2/10)

The representatives at an SCO franchise in NLI Market were unable to explain the speed to expect for subscribing to a certain data package. They kept insisting, a separate 4G device that costs Rs. 3,500 can fix the issue. It was out of stock.

#Internet4GilgitBaltistan

(3/10)

DSL is also worrisome mainly because of poor infrastructure. A private organization in Gilgit city complained about how internet breaks every now and then. Yet, they pay the connection cost in full. Consumer rights? @CRCPofficial @USF_Pak

#Internet4GilgitBaltistan

(4/10)

The situation in Astore, Ghizer & Hunza is much worse. An activist says people tend to accept the current state of the internet either because they are not aware of #consumerrights, or because they think they are being loyal by not complaining.

#Internet4GilgitBaltistan

(5/10)

There also is a visible fear among young people of being persecuted. Black Vigo jokes and serious ATA posts on social media give an impression of how masses are self-oppressed on many matters, including those related to #digitalrights.

#Internet4GilgitBaltistan

(6/10)

Most recently, @hq_sco - a military-run enterprise under @MoitOfficial - declared activists demanding #digitalrights "anti-state" in a now-deleted/edited social media post. There was an instant never-before public reaction.

#Internet4GilgitBaltistan

(7/10)

The digital divide is evident in both #GilgitBaltistan and #Chitral. An "elite" fraction does enjoy better internet access but a larger population remains struggling to perform the most basic tasks.

#Internet4GilgitBaltistan
#Internet4Chitral
#Internet4all

(8/10)

As a result of the digital divide, people of GB&C either have to climb to a location with better signal strength or relocate to a city to attend online classes, continue their freelance tasks, and work from (not) home.

#Internet4GilgitBaltistan
#Internet4Chitral

(9/10)

Both #Internet4GilgitBaltistan and
#Internet4Chitral campaigns demand equal #digitalrights. The issues are the same but with distinct scenarios based on their political/legal status. #Chitral is part of KPK while #GilgitBaltistan remains in a constitutional limbo.

(10/10)