ISLAMABAD, Feb 23 (APP):Huawei has shown interest in replicating its “smart village” programme in Gilgit-Baltistan, aiming to improve digital connectivity and promote technology-driven development in the remote mountainous region.
The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Caretaker Minister for Information Technology and Information GB Ghulam Abbas and Ahmed Bilal Masud, Chief Executive Officer for AI and Cloud Business at Huawei Pakistan, held in Islamabad.
As per details, the minister highlighted longstanding internet connectivity issues in GB, particularly in far-flung districts where limited bandwidth and infrastructure gaps have constrained educational, commercial and freelance opportunities.
He invited Huawei to collaborate with the regional government to strengthen broadband infrastructure and introduce modern IT solutions tailored to the area’s geographical challenges.
Mr Masud assured the minister of Huawei’s support in various sectors, including mining, business development and digital transformation initiatives.
He proposed a formal partnership with the GB government to equip young people with training in advanced IT solutions, with a special focus on artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and emerging digital technologies.
As part of the proposal, Huawei suggested establishing an IT park in smaller districts of GB to nurture startups, freelancers and small technology firms. For this purpose, Mr Masud requested the allocation of a suitable building — preferably government-owned — to serve as a technology incubation and training centre.
Referring to Huawei’s “smart village” initiative implemented in different parts of the country, including the federal capital Islamabad, Mr Masud said the model could be adapted to GB’s unique terrain.
The programme envisages provision of high-speed internet at selected schools, community centres and public facilities, enabling students and local entrepreneurs to access digital platforms, online education and e-commerce services.
He, however, cautioned against offering professional services entirely free of cost. “Experience suggests that free services may reduce the incentive to build sustainable businesses. Instead, the government may consider subsidising costs to facilitate deserving individuals while maintaining a market-driven approach,” he observed.
During the meeting, the minister was informed that IT professionals from GB constitute the largest single group employed at Huawei’s Oman branch — a development seen as indicative of the region’s growing human resource potential in the technology sector.
Mr Abbas said the GB government was committed to creating an enabling environment for digital growth and would hold a series of consultations with local IT professionals, freelancers and business stakeholders to identify priority areas. He said their recommendations would be formally shared with Huawei’s management to shape a structured cooperation framework.
Officials said improved connectivity, coupled with structured training and public-private partnerships, could help integrate GB more effectively into the national digital economy while generating employment opportunities for its youth.