ISLAMABAD, July 10 (ABC): The government plans to further expand cellular services in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). It has proposed an allocation of Rs298.875 million for FY2026-27 to continue the project.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the Expansion of Cellular Services in AJK and GB Phase-IV project started in 2024 and is scheduled for completion in 2027. The total project cost stands at Rs1.997 billion.
Project nears completion
The project has achieved 90% physical progress and 85% financial progress.
So far, the government has spent Rs1.698 billion. It has proposed allocating the remaining Rs298.875 million during FY2026-27 to complete the project.
Under the initiative, authorities will install 28 essential cellular sites across AJK and GB along with the required civil infrastructure.
The project aims to improve mobile connectivity, expand 4G coverage and strengthen communication services in remote mountainous areas where reliable telecom services remain limited.
4G services expand across remote areas
According to the progress report, contractors have completed civil works at 23 sites.
Authorities have also extended power supply to all 23 locations.
In addition, engineers have commissioned 4G cellular equipment at these sites, improving mobile broadband services in the targeted areas.
Work is also underway to dig trenches and lay 50 kilometres of optical fibre cable. The new fibre network will strengthen backhaul connectivity and improve network reliability.
Improved connectivity to support development
The expanded network is expected to benefit local communities, students, businesses, tourists, emergency services and public institutions.
Better cellular coverage will also support online education, telemedicine, e-commerce, tourism promotion and disaster response across AJK and GB.
According to the documents, the project forms part of the government’s broader effort to bridge the digital divide by extending modern telecom infrastructure to geographically challenging and underserved regions.
Once completed, the initiative will provide more reliable cellular and broadband services to remote communities throughout AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan.
