PTA Announces Separate 5G Spectrum Auction for Gilgit-Baltistan & AJK Following National Rollout

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has announced plans to hold a separate 5G spectrum auction for Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) within months of Pakistan’s nationwide 5G rollout. PTA Chairman Retired Major General Hafeez Ur Rehman said the federal government aims to ensure that these mountainous regions are not left behind in digital connectivity.

During discussions with the GB caretaker Minister for Information Technology, Ghulam Abbas, officials highlighted the importance of improved internet access for e-governance, online education, telemedicine, tourism, and IT-based businesses.

The PTA has initiated work on the regulatory framework, technical testing, and spectrum arrangements for GB and AJK, necessitating a separate auction process due to the additional preparation required. It is the authority’s preference to provide the spectrum free of cost in these regions to encourage infrastructure investment by operators.

Meanwhile, the AJK government has waived right-of-way (RoW) charges and introduced a one-window facility for telecom approvals — measures expected to accelerate broadband expansion.