Key Takeaways
- The cheapest 5G phones in Pakistan now cost around Rs. 36,000.
- 607,093 5G-capable handsets were locally assembled between January and August 2026.
- 1,782 5G sites have been deployed across 24 cities.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has announced that the cheapest 5G phones in Pakistan now cost around Rs. 36,000, making the technology more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Between January and August 2026, 607,093 5G-capable handsets were locally assembled, according to the ministry’s report to the National Assembly.
Pakistan continues to expand its 5G network, with 1,782 5G sites deployed across 24 cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Sialkot.
The rollout of 5G services follows the multiband spectrum auction and the signing of licences on March 19, 2026. The first phase of the rollout is currently underway.
Operator-wise figures show that Jazz has deployed 1,015 5G sites, followed by CMPak (Zong) with 640 and Ufone with 127.
Karachi leads in 5G deployment with 385 sites, followed by Lahore with 373 and Islamabad with 276. Faisalabad has 144 sites, Peshawar 122, and Rawalpindi 108, while Sialkot has 87 and Quetta 65.
The government claims that the growing local assembly of 5G-compatible handsets will improve device availability and affordability.
However, the expansion of 5G services will depend on the phased deployment plan, network coverage, and access to compatible devices.
Users with existing 4G-compatible SIMs do not need to upgrade them to access 5G services in Pakistan. They must have a 5G-compatible handset and access to a network with 5G coverage.
