Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, retired Major General Hafeez Ur Rehman, has confirmed that the federal government will hold a separate 5G spectrum auction for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) shortly after the nationwide rollout. The announcement came during a meeting with Gilgit-Baltistan Caretaker Minister for Information Technology Ghulam Abbas in Islamabad, where both sides discussed the proposed auction and broader connectivity challenges in the mountainous region.
The PTA chairman assured that GB and AJK will be included in the next phase of the 5G rollout, emphasizing the importance of extending next-generation telecom services beyond urban centers to remote and geographically challenging areas. Both officials highlighted that high-speed, reliable internet is increasingly essential for education, healthcare, tourism, business development, and digital governance. The expansion of 5G is expected to bridge the digital divide and enhance socio-economic development in these regions.
During the meeting, Minister Ghulam Abbas noted that the youth in Gilgit-Baltistan have considerable potential in IT and the digital economy but are constrained by slow internet speeds and limited bandwidth. He emphasized that the introduction of 5G services could open new opportunities for online entrepreneurship, freelancing, digital learning, and access to modern technological platforms. Strengthening connectivity would also enhance access to e-government services and support innovation across multiple sectors.
The PTA chairman explained that technical assessments and administrative preparations for launching 5G services in the mountainous regions are ongoing. Mobile network and internet service challenges, particularly weak signals and limited coverage, were reviewed, with both sides committing to upgrading telecom infrastructure to overcome these obstacles. The officials emphasized that a dedicated 5G spectrum auction for GB and AJK would allow tailored solutions suitable for the unique topography and population distribution in these areas.
This initiative forms part of Pakistan’s broader effort to expand high-speed connectivity across all regions, supporting digital inclusion and the growth of the country’s technology ecosystem. By introducing 5G in Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK, authorities aim to create opportunities for innovation, boost local entrepreneurship, and strengthen regional integration into the national digital economy. The upcoming auction and subsequent rollout are expected to be a major step toward bridging the digital divide and ensuring that remote communities benefit from advanced telecom services.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
