Govt Approves 5G Trials in Gilgit Baltistan After Months of Exclusion

The federal government has approved the launch of 5G trials in Gilgit Baltistan, bringing next-generation mobile technology to the region after it was initially excluded from the rollout.

The approval follows months of efforts by local authorities to secure inclusion in the national 5G plan, which had earlier moved forward without Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.

Officials said the breakthrough came after continuous engagement by regional leadership with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the federal IT ministry, highlighting the need for improved connectivity in the area.

A formal policy summary outlining the framework for 5G trials was prepared and approved by the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Ministry of IT before being cleared by the Prime Minister’s office.

The proposal was then circulated among members of the Gilgit Baltistan Council, where it received final approval along with consent from the Governor.

With approvals completed, the PTA has issued necessary directives, allowing telecom companies to begin 5G trials in the region. The trials are expected to serve as a foundation for a future 5G spectrum auction in Gilgit Baltistan, bringing the region in line with the broader national rollout.