MUZAFFARABAD: The Special Communications Organisation (SCO), a public sector telecom operator, launched a freelancing hub in the upper Neelum Valley on Thursday as part of its efforts to empower youth in remote and underdeveloped areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) with opportunities aligned with the demands of the digital age.

The facility, housed in the Government Boys Degree College in Sharda subdivision, was inaugurated by SCO Director General Maj-Gen Umar Ahmad Shah.

SCO’s AJK Sector Commander Col Yousaf Javed, local brigade commander Brig Muhammad Imran Cheema, students, teachers and a large number of local notables were also present on the occasion.

Maj-Gen Shah was given a detailed briefing on the hub’s objectives and facilities. He inspected the centre, reviewed the available services, and interacted with students, encouraging them to explore online employment opportunities and assuring them of SCO’s full support.

“In today’s digital era, it is essential to connect our youth with emerging opportunities in the IT sector,” he said. “This beautiful valley is home to intelligent and capable youth, and I hope this humble initiative will create new avenues of employment for them.”

The DG also praised the region’s growing interest in modern education, the unity of the nation, and the professionalism of the armed forces.

The gathering was informed that SCO planned to install over 150 new telecom towers across AJK in the upcoming financial year to enhance connectivity. Over the past 18 months, SCO had already established 80 freelancing hubs in the region and aimed to complete its target of 100 soon.

Maj-Gen Shah added that a telecom tower would also be installed in Shounthar sub valley to provide internet and telephone services in the area, enabling the youth to pursue digital careers from even the most remote locations.

He announced that system upgrades were underway to improve internet services across the state and that by June 2026, high-speed internet would be available in every part of AJK.

Earlier, Maj-Gen Shah and other dignitaries received a warm welcome from the college’s faculty and students at the inauguration ceremony.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2025