PTA announces separate 5G auction for Gilgit-Baltistan and AJK

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced that Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) will have a separate 5G auction after the nationwide rollout is completed.

PTA Chairman, retired Major General Hafeez Ur Rehman, said the government wants to provide high-speed internet to these remote and mountainous areas. He shared this plan during a meeting in Islamabad with Gilgit-Baltistan Caretaker Minister for IT, Ghulam Abbas.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the importance of launching 5G services in GB and AJK. They also talked about the challenges of improving internet services in these regions, where the geography makes development more difficult.

The PTA explained that technical and administrative work for 5G in GB and AJK is still in progress. Because of the tough terrain and scattered population, special planning is needed. However, the authorities are determined to make sure even remote communities get access to modern internet services.

Minister Ghulam Abbas said that strong and reliable internet is now a basic need, not a luxury. He added that the youth in Gilgit-Baltistan have great talent in IT and digital work, but slow internet speeds have limited their opportunities.

With 5G services, young people in these areas could benefit from freelancing, online businesses, and better access to digital tools and global markets.