The federal government has officially approved the launch of 5G trials in Gilgit Baltistan, marking a major step toward expanding next-generation connectivity to the region. The decision comes after the area was initially left out of the national 5G rollout plan.
The development is being seen as a significant policy shift, as Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir were earlier not included in the early phases of Pakistan’s 5G expansion. The latest approval now brings the region into the testing phase of advanced mobile broadband technology.
According to officials, the breakthrough was achieved after months of continuous engagement between regional leadership, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, and the federal IT ministry. The discussions focused on the urgent need to improve digital connectivity in remote and mountainous areas.
The inclusion of Gilgit Baltistan in 5G trials is expected to help address long-standing connectivity challenges. The region has historically faced limited network coverage due to its difficult terrain, making reliable high-speed internet access a persistent issue for residents and businesses.
With 5G technology, authorities aim to enhance mobile internet speeds, support digital education, improve access to healthcare services, and boost tourism-related infrastructure. Officials believe that better connectivity could play a key role in the region’s socio-economic development.
Telecom experts say that conducting trials in geographically challenging areas like Gilgit Baltistan will also help test the resilience of 5G networks under extreme conditions. This could provide valuable data for future nationwide deployment strategies.
The government has not yet announced a timeline for full commercial rollout, but the approval of trials signals a clear step toward broader inclusion in Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda.
