Key Takeaways
- 1,782 5G sites deployed across 24 cities in Pakistan.
- Jazz leads in 5G deployment with 1,015 sites.
- Cheapest 5G-compatible handset costs Rs36,000.
Pakistan has rolled out 1,782 5G sites across 24 major cities, marking a significant step towards faster mobile broadband connectivity. According to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, the rollout is part of a four-phase plan approved by the federal government, with the first phase focusing on deployment in federal and provincial capitals.
Jazz has taken the lead in 5G deployment, accounting for 1,015 sites, followed by China Mobile Pakistan (Zong) with 640 and Ufone with 127. Karachi leads in 5G coverage with 385 sites, followed by Lahore with 373 and Islamabad with 276.
The rollout began on March 20, 2026, following a multiband spectrum auction and the signing of licences on March 19, 2026. The minister, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, highlighted that 5G technology was introduced to improve existing 4G services and introduce next-generation mobile services.
While the rollout is a significant milestone, affordability remains a challenge. The cheapest 5G-compatible handset currently available costs around Rs36,000, according to the minister. However, the increasing availability of locally assembled 5G-compatible smartphones is expected to help reduce costs over time.
The minister also noted that all cellular mobile operators had conducted technical 5G trials nationwide between 2020 and 2025. Deployment in federal and provincial capitals is mandatory during the first phase, with operators allowed to expand services to other cities based on their business models.
Despite the rollout, the limited geographical footprint and high cost of compatible smartphones remain key considerations for expanding access beyond major urban centres. The government has not specified a definitive timeline for making 5G services affordable for ordinary consumers.
The growing local handset assembly ecosystem is expected to improve the availability of compatible devices and support affordability over time. The rollout represents a significant step in Pakistan’s transition towards faster mobile broadband connectivity, but the technology remains out of reach for many due to current costs and coverage limitations.
