Pakistan’s telecom sector has begun 5G trials in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
The Gilgit-Baltistan Council has already cleared the policy framework for conducting 5G trials in the region.
The matter is expected to be formally routed to the telecom regulator in the coming days for implementation.
GB caretaker Minister for Information Technology Ghulam Abbas said the council secretariat had finalised a summary outlining policy directives for the 5G testing phase. The proposal has been vetted by both the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of IT.
Once formally signed off by the Prime Minister, the summary will be sent to the Ministry of IT, which will authorise the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to begin the trial process.
The trial phase will utilise key frequency bands including 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz, allowing companies to assess infrastructure requirements, signal behaviour, and deployment feasibility before any commercial rollout.
The testing phase in GB will play a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s broader 5G rollout strategy, especially in remote and high-altitude regions.
Pakistan has secured the 16th position in the global outsourcing talent index, reflecting growing recognition of its technology workforce and expanding digital economy.
According to the index report, the country’s tech sector is currently growing at an annual rate of 20 per cent. The report also suggests that with improvements in digital infrastructure, Pakistan could rise from 16th to 11th place in the coming period.
Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja said efforts are underway to position Pakistan as a global centre for technology and outsourcing services. She said the ministry’s broader goal is to establish the country as a major international tech hub.
