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Pakistan’s 5G rollout is gaining momentum, with 1,782 5G sites deployed across 24 cities, according to details shared by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
Jazz is leading the deployment with 1,015 sites, followed by Zong with 640 and Ufone with 127. The figures reflect the operators’ reported network infrastructure as Pakistan gradually expands next-generation mobile connectivity.
The minister said 5G services were introduced after the country’s multiband 5G spectrum auction, with Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS) licences signed on March 19, 2026. The four-phase rollout started on March 20, 2026, under a plan approved by the federal government.
The licensing obligations seek to improve existing 4G services alongside the phased introduction of 5G. All cellular mobile operators conducted technical 5G trials between 2020 and 2025, the minister added.
Which Cities Have the Most 5G Sites in Pakistan?
According to the minister’s reply, 5G services have been launched or are being consolidated in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Sheikhupura, Hyderabad, Abbottabad, Attock, Jhelum, Kasur, Kohat, Mardan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Sukkur, Swabi, Chitral and Gujrat.
Karachi has the highest reported number of deployed sites at 385, followed by Lahore with 373 and Islamabad with 276. Faisalabad has 144 sites, Peshawar 122, Rawalpindi 108, Multan 103, Sialkot 87, Quetta 65 and Sheikhupura 55.
Jazz leads deployment in Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan, while Zong has a stronger presence in Peshawar, Quetta, Sheikhupura and Sialkot. Ufone’s footprint remains comparatively limited at 127 sites across the reported rollout cities.
Under the first phase of the NGMS licence obligations, deployment in federal and provincial capitals is mandatory. Operators may expand into additional cities according to their respective business models.
However, deployed sites do not necessarily mean citywide 5G availability. Real-world network experience may vary by location and operator, as highlighted in PhoneWorld’s earlier coverage of 5G coverage and mobile network performance.
Affordable 5G Smartphones Remain a Major Challenge
While network deployment is expanding, the cost of compatible devices remains a barrier for many users. According to the minister, the cheapest locally available 5G-capable handset currently costs approximately Rs. 36,000.
The government reported that 607,093 5G-compatible handsets were locally assembled between January and August 2026. Local manufacturing could help improve access to more affordable devices, although the pace of adoption will also depend on consumer budgets and coverage.
PhoneWorld has previously reported on the country’s local mobile phone assembly trends and 5G production, underscoring the importance of device availability as networks expand.
The minister clarified that existing 4G SIM cards do not need to be replaced to access 5G. Consumers will still need a compatible handset and an active 5G signal from their mobile operator.
Although the rollout represents an important step for Pakistan’s digital connectivity, the government did not specify a definitive timeline for making 5G affordable for ordinary consumers. Wider coverage and the availability of lower-cost handsets will remain key factors as the next generation of mobile broadband reaches more users.
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