ISLAMABAD: The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government has announced the restoration of 4G cellular internet services in the region following improved security conditions. The decision comes as a relief to the local population, especially tech-related businesses and freelancers who have been adversely affected by the suspension and downgrading of internet services.
In a letter dated September 18, 2023, addressed to the Secretary of the Ministry of Interior in Islamabad, the Gilgit-Baltistan Department of Home and Prisons officially communicated its decision to reinstate 4G/5G cellular internet services in the region. This move comes after a period of suspended services due to security concerns.
The letter, marked as “MOST IMMEDIATE,” referred to an earlier communication from the department dated September 5, 2023, in which the Ministry of Interior was requested to downgrade the 4G/5G cellular internet services in GB through the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The letter states that the security situation in GB has significantly improved, thanks to various interventions by the government. As a result, the decision to restore 4G cellular internet services has been made in the larger public interest, with the aim of alleviating difficulties faced by the general public and those engaged in tech-related businesses in the region.
The GB government had suspended 3G and 4G cellular networks in the region as part of its efforts to maintain law and order. This move had a profound impact on freelancers offering online services, making it challenging for them to meet their project goals.
The President of the GB Freelancers Association had previously raised concerns about the suspension and downgrading of internet services on social media. However, Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan reassured the public that the downgrading was a temporary measure, and full internet and cellular services would be restored in the region after Chehlum.
In the midst of these developments, two additional individuals, both government officials, were found guilty of using social media to spread hate material and were subsequently imprisoned in the Astore district of Gilgit-Baltistan. This brings the total number of people jailed for involvement in spreading hate speech on social media to 10, including at least five government officials, including police personnel and a teacher.
The use of social media for creating social unrest by spreading hate material has emerged as a major concern in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. With the restoration of 4G/5G cellular internet services, the authorities are expected to continue their efforts to monitor and control the misuse of social media platforms to maintain peace and security in the region.
The decision to restore internet services has been welcomed by the local population, particularly freelancers and businesses that heavily rely on internet connectivity for their operations. It is seen as a positive step toward returning normalcy and economic stability to the Gilgit-Baltistan region.
