PTA allows telecom operators to provide services in AJK
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has temporarily allowed all its licensed telecom operators to provide telecommunication facilities in Azad Jammu & Kashmir.
The decision to this effect has been taken to augment telecommunication facilities being provided by Special Communication Organization (SCO). It would also help Pakistan Army, Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, foreign and local relief teams and volunteers in order to make swift communications during their relief and rescue operations.
The PTA licensed telecom operators including local and foreign mobile phone companies have been allowed two months time, from October 14, 2005 to December 13, 2005, to operate in AJK. Furthermore, safety and security of the temporary installations will be the responsibility of the service providers. As a consequence of this temporary permission no right will accrue to operators for grant of any future license in A&K areas, the announcement said.
It may be mentioned that presently SCO alone is operating telecommunication services in the area.