ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Faisal Mumtaz Rathore has announced that 5G cellular services will be launched across the state from March 10, 2026, with trials commencing shortly thereafter. A policy letter has already been issued in this regard. The AJK Prime Minister said that the provision of advanced digital facilities in line with contemporary needs remains a key priority of AJK government. Terming the launch of 5G services as a historic milestone, he said that it would usher the region into a new era of high-speed internet, modern education, e-health, e-governance, and a digital economy. This technology would be instrumental in boosting business activities, in addition to creating job opportunities for youth in IT sector, he said, adding that the initiative would go a long way to enable the region’s talented youth to connect directly with the global market. The government, he said, wants every city, town and village of the state to be an equal partner in the journey of digital development. In order to achieve this goal, the prime minister said that telecommunication infrastructure would be further strengthened to make sure that high-speed internet services reaches to remote areas. He further stated that young people would be provided with technology education and training, enabling them to become an effective part of the modern economy. He remarked that 5G would transform Azad Kashmir into a modern, digital, and self-reliant state. Rathore thanked all stakeholders and relevant institutions for securing the landmark achievement. He also expressed his profound gratitude to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for their full support in this important initiative. He congratulated Chief Secretary Azad Kashmir Khushhal Khan, Secretary Information Technology Rashid Hanif, and their entire team for their dedicated efforts that made this historic success possible. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026