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Pakistan launches 5G in 23 cities, with Karachi leading rapid expansion. PTA sets strict rollout targets, ensuring faster speeds, stronger connectivity, and nationwide digital transformation.
Pakistan’s mobile operators have launched 5G services across 23 cities, marking a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) presented a detailed report to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT, outlining the rapid expansion of 5G sites and the ambitious targets set for the first phase of the rollout.
According to the PTA, Karachi has emerged as the focal point of this expansion. The number of 5G sites in the city surged from 90 to 279 within a month, reflecting a sharp increase of 189 new installations. With approximately 5,000 active LTE and 4G sites already in operation, Karachi is expected to host at least 1,000 5G sites by the end of the first rollout phase.
The PTA emphasized that this requirement represents a minimum licensing obligation, with operators likely to exceed the threshold as they expand their networks. Each mobile operator is mandated to install 2,000 sites during the first phase, alongside upgrading at least 20% of their existing 4G infrastructure to 5G in federal and provincial capitals.
Beyond site installation, the regulator has set strict performance benchmarks. Operators must increase the “Fiber-to-the-Tower” ratio to 20% to ensure stronger backhaul capacity. Additionally, a baseline median speed of 50 Mbps has been mandated for 5G services, with targets to reach 100 Mbps in subsequent phases. These measures aim to guarantee reliable connectivity and improved user experience as adoption grows.
The PTA report highlighted that the rollout is being closely monitored to ensure timely implementation. “The rapid increase in 5G sites reflects the modernization of Pakistan’s mobile networks and the commitment of operators to meet licensing obligations,” the document noted.
With 5G now available in 23 cities, Pakistan is entering a new era of digital connectivity. The expansion is expected to support advanced use cases in education, healthcare, and enterprise solutions, while enhancing consumer experiences with faster speeds and greater reliability. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring adequate coverage and timely progress as operators continue to scale their networks nationwide.
This rollout marks a pivotal step in Pakistan’s journey toward a digitally empowered society, positioning the country to harness the transformative potential of next-generation mobile technology.
