Revolutionizing AJK & GB: IT and Telecom Advancements with Optical Fiber and 4G Launch

In a groundbreaking leap towards digital transformation, the completion of the Optical Fiber Project and the launch of 4G SIM services by the Special Communications Organization (SCO) are set to redefine the future of AJK and GB, opening new avenues for education, healthcare, and tourism.

The government of Pakistan remains committed to the development of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) by introducing transformative advancements in the IT and telecom sectors. Two major milestones have recently been achieved that underscore this commitment: the completion of the Pakistan-China Optical Fiber Cable Project (OPFC) and the launch of 4G SIM services in the region by the Special Communications Organization (SCO).

On February 22, 2023, the SCO celebrated the successful and timely completion of the OPFC, a monumental achievement in Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure. This 820 km fiber optic cable, stretching from Khunjerab to Rawalpindi, marks the first-ever telecom project of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to be completed within the designated timeline. The OPFC has been described as a vital step in transforming CPEC into a “Digital Corridor,” laying the foundation for high-speed internet connectivity across AJK and GB.

This milestone is particularly significant for the people of AJK and GB, who have long awaited improvements in telecom infrastructure. The completion of the fiber optic project is seen as a game-changer, offering better connectivity and enabling faster communication for businesses, students, medical professionals, and residents alike.

Alongside the completion of the fiber optic project, SCO has launched 4G SIM services in AJK and GB, providing the region with state-of-the-art mobile internet access. This move has been hailed as a revolutionary development that will enhance the lives of the local population, especially the youth and medical practitioners. The 4G SIM service promises to bridge the digital divide, bringing high-speed mobile internet to remote areas that previously lacked reliable connectivity.

The youth, particularly students and young professionals, stand to benefit immensely from these advancements. The access to fast internet opens up vast opportunities for online education, e-health services, and remote work. It is expected to significantly improve the quality of life and foster innovation in the region. Medical practitioners, who have long faced challenges due to limited access to information, will now be able to stay updated with the latest medical developments, providing better care to patients.

In addition to these infrastructural advances, SCO is actively engaging with the youth of AJK and GB through various events aimed at providing exposure to the latest developments in the IT and telecom sectors. The 22nd IT & Telecom show, organized by ITCN Asia from February 23-25, 2025, at the Pak-China Friendship Center in Islamabad, provides a golden opportunity for the youth of AJK and GB to participate and learn from international tech experts.

SCO’s participation in the event highlights its commitment to connecting the youth of the region with the global tech community. The show allows young apprentices and skilled professionals to gain insight into the future of IT and telecom, offering them the tools and knowledge necessary to contribute to the ongoing digital transformation.

The digital revolution taking place in AJK and GB is expected to have far-reaching effects, particularly in the tourism sector. The improved connectivity will facilitate better communication, allowing tourists from across the world to explore the region more easily. With its stunning natural beauty, AJK and GB have enormous potential to become major tourist destinations, and the digital infrastructure will play a crucial role in realizing this potential.

The people of AJK and GB are optimistic that these developments will not only enhance their day-to-day lives but will also attract investment and promote economic growth. The integration of advanced IT and telecom infrastructure is seen as a key driver for the region’s future prosperity.

The recent strides made by SCO in AJK and GB, including the completion of the Optical Fiber Project and the launch of 4G SIM services, mark a significant turning point in the region’s digital journey. With these advancements, the government of Pakistan is not only providing the people of AJK and GB with modern communication tools but is also creating new opportunities for growth in education, healthcare, and tourism. As these initiatives continue to take shape, the future looks bright for the people of AJK and GB, with a strong digital foundation paving the way for a prosperous tomorrow.