Neelum Valley of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has been linked with other parts of the state and Pakistan through cellular service.

The cellphone service being provided by the Special Communication Organisation (SCO) of the army will cover Athmuqam, Joora, Kundalshahi and Kel of the valley near Line of Control.

The facility was inaugurated on Sunday by Sector Commander Brigadier Ali Nadeem and AJK Minister for Education Mian Abdul Waheed.

While speaking on the occasion, Brigadier Nadeem promised that SCO will provide 3G and 4G technology to its users in AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan if it won the bidding.

He said that before June 15, Mirpur, Shahkot, Changan and Duwarian areas of Neelum Valley will also get the mobile phone services.

Addressing the ceremony, AJK education minister lauded SCO for providing the best telecommunication services to the people of AJK and G-B, particularly to the people living near the LoC.

Waheed announced a grant of Rs500,000 to the SCO for purchasing the optical fibre aimed at providing the telecommunication facilities to the people of Kahuta, Chogali, Laiswa and Chalhana of Neelum Valley.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26th, 2014.