Pakistan's amateur radios are tuned in for the apocalypse

In Pakistan, amateur radio operators, often called "hams," are proving that the oldest communication technology is still the most resilient. The Pakistan Amateur Radio Society (PARS), founded in 1970, has a long history of stepping in when disaster strikes and conventional communication infrastructure collapses.

A stark example occurred during the 2005 Kashmir earthquake. Two PARS members traveled to Muzaffarabad, a city heavily impacted by the quake. They found a functioning office in Rescue 15, whose building had partially collapsed. Using a car battery and a radio transceiver, they began transmitting messages to Islamabad, successfully relaying nearly 3,000 survival and death confirmations in the following days. Their affiliates then spread this information across Pakistan via phone.

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A radio transceiver was plugged into the battery and they started transmitting messages to Islamabad since telephone landlines had collapsed.

Ham radio's origins trace back to the late 19th century, with licensing beginning in the U.S. around 1912. The term "ham" itself has debated origins, possibly stemming from early adopters' initials or a derogatory term for unskilled operators that eventually became a badge of pride. Amateur radio operators have been active in Pakistan since before the country's partition in 1947.

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In the next few days they sent nearly 3,000 messages to Islamabad by radio, which their affiliates spread throughout Pakistan by phone. Most messages were confirmations of survivals and deaths.

Records indicate a PARS member was active in Karachi in 1949, and another operated from Quetta's Chiltan Hotel in 1953. While some records suggest earlier activity, former PARS President Nasir Khan stated the society was officially formed in 1970. Many early members, including Khan, had backgrounds in the telecommunications industry, which fueled their professional interest in ham radio and led to the society's creation.

Decades after its initial foray into disaster relief in Kashmir, PARS continues to be a vital resource. Its licensed professionals operate amateur radio equipment, ensuring connectivity when all else fails. This enduring capability highlights the critical role of ham radio in emergency response and public safety in Pakistan.

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It is made up of licensed professionals who operate amateur or ham radio, which keep people connected when all else fails.