Pakistan is set to roll out 5G services in the coming months, starting in seven major cities, announced Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja during the ITCN Asia Expo in Karachi. The government says this will bring faster internet and more reliable connections, aligning with its “Digital Pakistan” ambitions.
In recent years Pakistan has faced delays in adopting 5G due to several challenges: limited spectrum allocation, high costs, weak fiber-optic backbone and frequent internet disruptions. Experts and regulatory bodies have noted that while broadband and mobile usage has grown, the supporting infrastructure and policy framework have lagged behind. In late 2024, consultants working with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority flagged economic constraints, policy gaps and administrative hurdles as major impediments.
According to the minister, this rollout will be coupled with improvements in the country’s internet backbone: fiberization efforts, increased submarine cable capacity (after damage to cables near the Red Sea affected connectivity), and policies to improve smartphone affordability and expand digital services. She also linked the plan with the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia agreement which will help bolster the nation’s digital infrastructure and boost economic growth. Meanwhile, the government is also expected to conduct the long-awaited 5G spectrum auction by end of this year, subject to resolution of pending legal or technical matters including spectrum litigation and regulatory oversight.
The introduction of 5G is expected to open new opportunities in connectivity, smart services, and digital transformation, reinforcing Pakistan’s ambitions to keep pace with global technological advancements.