Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, on Monday announced that 5G services will be launched across the state from March 10, describing the development as a historic milestone for Azad Kashmir.
Addressing the announcement, the prime minister said the introduction of high-speed internet would significantly promote education, e-health, e-governance and the digital economy in the region.
He said the youth of Azad Kashmir would gain vast opportunities in the fields of information technology and freelancing with the rollout of 5G services. “5G is not just speed but the speed of development and employment,” he remarked.
Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said every city and village of the state would be included in the digital development process, adding that the government would ensure the provision of high-speed internet facilities in remote and underserved areas.
He noted that Azad Kashmir would receive 5G facilities simultaneously with the launch in Pakistan, terming it a significant step toward technological advancement in the state.
The prime minister further announced that the government had abolished right-of-way charges for the telecom sector to facilitate infrastructure expansion. He added that one-window facilities were being provided to telecom operators to create a competitive and investment-friendly environment.
He commended the efforts of Chief Secretary Khushal Khan and Secretary IT Rashid Hanif for their role in advancing the initiative and expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and institutions for their cooperation.
Faisal Mumtaz Rathore also thanked the Pakistan Telecommunication authorities for their support in making the 5G launch possible.