5G Internet Coming to Gilgit Baltistan

The federal government has formally approved policy directives allowing telecom companies to conduct 5G trials in Gilgit-Baltistan, marking a significant step toward digital modernization in the mountainous region.

The directives were prepared by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority on behalf of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council and approved under Article 60(2)(a), read with Entry No. 1 of the Third Schedule of the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018.

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, and Minister in charge of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council, Amir Muqam, announced the approval. He said the initiative would accelerate digital transformation, improve connectivity, and create new opportunities for innovation across the region.

He added that 5G services would support tourism, facilitate business activity, and strengthen communication infrastructure in remote areas of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Officials said the development reflects continued coordination efforts led by Gilgit-Baltistan Caretaker Minister for Information and IT, Ghulam Abbas, who remained engaged with federal authorities and relevant institutions to advance the rollout of 5G technology in the region.

The approval of these policy directives also paves the way for a future 5G spectrum auction, enabling telecom operators to introduce next-generation internet services in Gilgit-Baltistan in the coming months.