Can anyone imagine that a region that Pakistan proudly showcases to the world for its breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and booming tourism industry, yet it remains digitally paralyzed. Gilgit-Baltistan is not just a tourist paradise; it is a treasure trove of minerals, expensive stones, abundant water resources, and home to the strategic China-Pakistan Economic Corridor route. It hosts national hunting parks that attract high-paying international tourists, generating substantial revenue for the country. But despite its immense contributions, this very region is denied access to something as basic as reliable internet connectivity. In many areas, there is no network at all, no phone calls, no text messages, just silence.
Gilgit-Baltistan is home to five of the world’s fourteen mountains taller than 8,000 meters (26,000 ft), including K2 (8,611m), the second-highest peak on Earth, and Nanga Parbat (8,126m), the ninth-highest. Every year, a massive number of international tourists visit G-B for trekking and climbing expeditions. Pakistan earned more than Rs40 million in 2020 as the royalty fee from climbing and trekking expeditions for just K2 and Nanga Parbat during the COVID-19 pandemic. If this was the revenue during a global crisis, imagine how much the region is generating now.
Beyond mountaineering, G-B is also home to national parks that attract elite international hunters who pay massive amounts to hunt the prized Markhor. In March 2024, the highest permit for the Astore Markhor was sold for $186,000, followed by permits for $181,000, $177,000, and $171,000. These are just a few examples of the enormous revenue potential G-B contributes to Pakistan’s economy. Yet, despite this economic potential, the government has failed to provide even the most basic digital infrastructure to support its growth.
Pakistan parades G-B as a symbol of peace, natural splendor, and literacy to the world. Yet, paradoxically, it keeps the region in the dark, withholding even the most fundamental necessities like stable internet. This glaring contradiction raises serious concerns about whether the state truly intends to integrate G-B into the digital age or simply exploit its resources while ignoring the people who live there.
The only state-owned telecom provider, SCOM, has failed miserably in delivering even mediocre services. Despite the presence of private telecom giants like Jazz, Zong, and Ufone in other parts of the country, they are deliberately blocked from operating in GB. Why? Is there a vested interest in keeping G-B disconnected? Is it an issue of state control, bureaucratic incompetence, or something more sinister? The people of G-B deserve answers.
The Economic Cost of Neglect: The state’s negligence goes beyond internet deprivation-it has systematically failed to create employment opportunities for the people of GB. But the resilience of its people is undeniable. With no government support, they have carved out their own economic pathways. The youth of G-B have turned to freelancing, tech startups, and women-led entrepreneurial ventures, all of which rely entirely on the internet. But how can they compete in the global digital economy when their internet barely functions, often crawling at kilobits per second (kbps), a speed that belongs to the early 2000s?
The consequences are severe. Critical work gets interrupted, businesses lose clients, and opportunities slip away. Digital isolation is stifling innovation and economic growth in GB. Women-led businesses, which have been a beacon of empowerment in the region, are particularly hard-hit, as they depend on online platforms to sustain their operations.
Tourism, the backbone of G-B’s economy, also suffers greatly. In an era where online marketing and digital connectivity are vital for the hospitality industry, unreliable internet discourages tourists from visiting. Travelers expect seamless connectivity, online bookings, and digital transactions, all of which are nearly impossible in G-B’s current state. This lack of infrastructure not only hurts local businesses but also damages Pakistan’s reputation as a travel destination.
Governmental Response and Public Sentiment: The frustration is reaching a breaking point. GB’s people have taken to the streets, protesting against power outages and digital deprivation. The situation is dire, many areas experience up to 22 hours of load shedding, making even the slow internet service unreliable. The G-B Assembly Speaker has raised the issue, but words alone do not solve crises.
People are no longer willing to accept hollow promises. They demand real action – immediate improvements in connectivity, an end to SCOM’s monopoly, and the entry of private telecom providers to ensure competitive services. The people of GB have every right to access the digital world, just like the rest of Pakistan.
A Call for Digital Freedom: The government can no longer afford to ignore this crisis. Addressing G-B’s internet deprivation requires urgent and concrete steps:
1. End the Monopoly: Open up G-B’s telecom sector to Jazz, Zong, Ufone, and other private providers to introduce competition and improve service quality.
2. Infrastructure Investment: Fast-track the development of fiber-optic networks and establish reliable 4G (and eventually 5G) services tailored to G-B’s geographical challenges.
3. Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaborations between the state and private sector to bring modern digital solutions to G-B.
4. Accountability & Regulation: Hold SCOM accountable for its failure and introduce strict service standards for all telecom providers in the region.
5. Community-Driven Solutions: Work with local businesses and communities to tailor internet solutions that meet their specific needs.
Fixing this crisis is not just about convenience; it is about ensuring the fundamental rights of GB’s people.
Reclaiming G-B’s Digital Rights: The internet crisis in Gilgit-Baltistan is not an accident, it is a result of systemic neglect and deliberate control. If Pakistan truly sees G-B as a valuable part of its territory, it must treat it as such. The people of G-B do not need slogans or empty gestures. They need action. They need connectivity. They need inclusion in the digital age.
The government cannot continue to exploit G-B’s resources while denying its people the tools to thrive. The time for decisive, meaningful change is now. If Pakistan wants to present itself as a modern, connected, and progressive country to the world, it must start by ensuring that Gilgit-Baltistan is not left behind in digital darkness.
