ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The federal government has planned the expansion of cellular services in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan with a proposed allocation of Rs298.875 million for the financial year 2026-27, state-run APP reported.
According to official documents, the initiative titled “Expansion of Cellular Services in AJK and GB Phase-IV” began in 2024 and is scheduled to be completed in 2027. The project’s total cost is Rs 1.9 billion.
The project has achieved 90% physical progress and 85% financial progress. So far, Rs1.6 billion has been spent, and the expected throw-forward of Rs298.8 million has been proposed for allocation in FY 2026-27.
Under the initiative, the government plans to install 28 essential cellular sites in AJK and GB along with the required civil infrastructure.
The project is designed to improve mobile connectivity, extend 4G services, and strengthen communication facilities in these difficult terrains where people often face limited access to reliable telecom services.
According to the progress report, civil work on 23 sites has been completed, while power has also been extended to all 23 locations. In addition, 4G cellular equipment has been commissioned at 23 sites, improving mobile broadband services in targeted areas.
Work on digging and laying 50 kilometres of optical fibre cable is also in progress, which will help improve network reliability and support stronger backhaul connectivity for cellular services.
The initiative is expected to benefit local communities, students, businesses, tourists, emergency services, and public sector institutions by improving access to digital communication.
Better cellular coverage in AJK and GB can also support online education, telemedicine, e-commerce, tourism promotion, and disaster response.
The project reflects the government’s efforts to bridge the digital divide by extending modern telecom infrastructure to geographically challenging and less-connected regions. Once completed, the initiative is expected to provide more reliable cellular and broadband services to the remote communities across AJK and GB.
