ISLAMABAD: The path to the launch of 5G technology in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) has been cleared, as policy directives for 5G trials have been approved and the four telcos are expected to begin trials soon.

The GB Council has approved the summary to launch 5G trials.

Speaking on the details of the development, GB’s caretaker IT Minister Ghulam Abbas said that the council secretariat had prepared a summary seeking approval of policy directives for 5G trials.

The summary has been endorsed by the Ministry of Law and the Ministry of IT. After approval by the prime minister, who is the chairperson of the council, the summary will be forwarded to the IT Ministry.

“The IT ministry will authorise Pakistan Tele­communication Authority (PTA), the regulator, to initiate the 5G trials,” Mr Abbas said.

The 5G spectrum auction was held on March 10, but GB and Azad Jammu and Kashmir were not included, as separate regulations apply to these regions.

Meanwhile, a senior PTA official said after policy approval, the four telecos operating in GB will be directed to initiate trials.

After the merger of Ufone with Telenor, there are three telcos, with Zong and Jazz. However, the Special Communications Organisation operates only in GB and the AJK.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2026