Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) — a region blessed with extraordinary natural beauty and rich resources — remains digitally disadvantaged and economically strained, leaving its journalists caught in a cycle of poor connectivity, financial insecurity, and safety risks.
Digital Barriers in a Connected World
Despite national claims of improved coverage, the reality on the ground tells a different story. According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) Annual Report 2023–24, over 91% of Pakistan’s population has access to cellular services, and telecom coverage extends to all areas of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. As of April 2025, GB has 1.2 million mobile broadband subscribers, with a broadband penetration rate of 65.82%.
Yet persistent internet problems and frequent load shedding continue to hinder digital journalism.
‘Load shedding prevents us from editing and uploading content on time, which leads to losing clients,’ said Shabbir Mir, senior journalist and founder of Media Lens, a digital platform based in Gilgit.
For Muhammad Sheraz, his sister Muskan, and their father Muhammad Taqi from Khaplu, district Ghanche, the struggle is constant. Sheraz, known as Pakistan’s youngest YouTuber through his channel Shirazi Village Vlogs, documents GB’s environment, culture, tourism, community issues, and entertainment. In 2024, he uploaded a video showcasing his village — but slow upload speeds meant it took hours to post. The family often travels to nearby towns with slightly better internet just to get their videos online.
The Special Communications Organization (SCO), under the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, is the main telecom operator in GB. While it provides 3G/4G services in major towns and district centers, many remote valleys still suffer patchy coverage, slow speeds, and frequent service disruptions. SCO’s monopoly in several areas, combined with outdated infrastructure, limits competition and slows service improvement.
‘SCO has failed to provide comfortable connectivity in GB; the people are frustrated due to incapable network,’ said Abid Hussain, General Secretary of the Ghizer Press Club.
SCO’s public relations officer, Noor-ul-Amin, acknowledged infrastructure limitations and the impact of power shortages: ‘With up to 20 hours of load shedding in winters, running generators continuously is not feasible. We could serve our customers better if power supply improved.’ GB’s mountainous geography, harsh weather, and the climate crisis add further barriers to building reliable networks.
Economic Fragility in the Newsrooms
Financial insecurity is one of the most pressing issues for GB’s roughly 150 journalists. Salaries are often delayed, inconsistent, or unpaid altogether. Many reporters fund their own transportation, equipment, and even safety gear.
‘Months go by without pay. I stay in this profession because I love storytelling, but journalism must also provide for our families. People assume we earn well, but the reality is the opposite. At the very least, we deserve the minimum wage set by the government,’ said a journalist from a local radio station.
The shift from print to digital has accelerated job losses. ‘We can’t hire more people because advertisement revenue isn’t what it used to be. The financial model of journalism is rapidly changing, and print media is struggling to keep up,’ explained Mohammad Ayub, shift in charge at Daily Ausaf.
Nouman Ansar, who lost his job during Daily Ausaf’s digital downsizing, found work at Media Lens but still faces unstable income. Many others have left the profession altogether. Former journalist Ejaz Khan, now a teacher, said: ‘I loved journalism, but I couldn’t survive on irregular pay. I had to choose financial stability over passion.’
According to Shabbir Mir, financial stress pushes some journalists toward unethical practices — such as accepting bribes or producing sensational content — further eroding public trust.
Added Challenges for Women Journalists
For women journalists, the situation is even more difficult. Without secondary income sources, they are more vulnerable to the impacts of unstable pay and poor infrastructure.
Kiran Qasim, additional resident editor of Daily Ausaf and founder of Women TV, faces power cuts, low circulation, and minimal ad revenue. ‘Online subscriptions didn’t take off due to poor internet access and lack of expertise,’ she explained.
Safety risks compound these challenges. Journalists covering remote areas often travel alone, without reliable communication tools or backup. ‘We have asked for safety training from our press club, but due to a lack of funds and experts, no structured programs have been arranged,’ one journalist said. A freelancer added: ‘I travel alone to remote areas using public transport, often without reliable backup communication. The risk of being stranded is high.’
Weak Enforcement of Protections
Wage Board clauses meant to secure journalists’ salaries and benefits are poorly implemented in GB. Many outlets ignore them entirely, leaving journalists without legal recourse in cases of non-payment.
In 2024, the GB Information Department acted against ghost publications — papers that existed only on paper — by publishing a list of about 40 newspapers and their employee salary data. As a result, around 30 newspapers and several digital outlets remain active. But enforcement of wage protections continues to lag.
A Path Forward
To ensure the sustainability of journalism in GB, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. Expanding reliable internet access and power supply will help local media thrive. Training journalists in digital revenue models can enhance financial sustainability. Establishing grants or funds for freelance journalists can offer crucial support. Press clubs and unions must collaborate with NGOs and international organizations to provide structured safety training. Enforcing Wage Board clauses is vital to protecting journalists’ rights and salaries.
Without urgent intervention, journalism in GB risks further decline, affecting not only media professionals but also public access to reliable information. Gilgit-Baltistan’s breathtaking mountains might reach the skies — but without strong digital roots, the region’s voice remains grounded. In a connected world, internet access is not a luxury; it is a lifeline.
