MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore on Monday said that 5G services would be launched from March 10 across the region.
In a statement issued by the Press Information Department (PID), the premier said that trials would begin shortly, for which a policy letter has already been issued, and it will be formally launched on March 10.
In a separate statement, Secretary Information and Information Technology AJK Rashid Hanif said that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) clarified that, along with Pakistan, 5G services will also be launched in Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.
PM Rathore has emphasised that the provision of advanced digital facilities in line with contemporary needs remains a key priority of his government.
Terming the launch of 5G services as a historic milestone, he said that it would usher the region into a new era of high-speed internet, modern education, e-health, e-governance, and a digital economy.
”This technology would be instrumental in boosting business activities, in addition to creating job opportunities for youth in the IT sector,” he said, adding that the initiative would go a long way to enable the region’s talented youth to connect directly with the global market.
Rathore added that the government wants every city, town, and village of the state to be an equal partner in the journey of digital development.
To achieve this goal, the prime minister said that telecommunication infrastructure would be further strengthened to make sure that high-speed internet services reaches to remote areas.
He further stated that young people would be provided with technology education and training, enabling them to become an effective part of the modern economy.
5G would transform AJK
He remarked that 5G would transform Azad Kashmir into a modern, digital, and self-reliant state.
Furthermore, PM Rathore thanked all stakeholders and relevant institutions for securing the landmark achievement.
The Prime Minister also expressed his profound gratitude to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for their full support in this important initiative.
He congratulated Chief Secretary Azad Kashmir Khushhal Khan, Secretary Information Technology Rashid Hanif, and their entire team for their dedicated efforts that made this historic success possible.
The premier stated that while recognizing the importance of the telecom sector, the government has also abolished Right of Way charges and introduced a one-window facility to create a more competitive environment for telecom operators in Azad Kashmir.
