Pakistan to Launch 5G in 7 Cities: IT Minister Announcement 2026

Pakistan is set to enter a new era of connectivity with the upcoming 5G rollout in seven major cities. Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed this during the 26th ITCN Asia Expo in Karachi. The initiative aligns with the Digital Pakistan vision, aiming to improve internet access, strengthen cybersecurity, and equip youth with digital skills.

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What 5G Means for Pakistan

5G is the fifth generation of wireless technology, offering:

Faster internet speeds: Up to 100 times faster than 4G
Low latency: Smooth streaming, gaming, and remote work
Enhanced connectivity: Support for smart cities, AI applications, and IoT devices

For Pakistan, 5G is not just about speed; it is a pathway to digital transformation, economic growth, and improved public services.

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Key Points from IT Minister’s Announcement

7 major cities will receive 5G connectivity first
Government committed to expanding nationwide internet access
Strengthening digital infrastructure is underway
Focus on linking 5G deployment with economic and technological growth

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Challenges and Considerations

High infrastructure costs: New towers, fiber networks, and equipment required
Regulatory hurdles: PTA highlighted migration complexity from 4G to 5G
Consumer affordability: 5G-compatible smartphones may be expensive initially

5G vs 4G in Pakistan

Feature	4G	5G
Download Speed	Up to 100 Mbps	Up to 10 Gbps
Latency	~50 ms	~1 ms
Connectivity	Moderate IoT support	High IoT & smart city support
Network Capacity	Limited	High
Economic Impact	Moderate	Significant

Economic Impact of 5G & Digital Pakistan

Technology investment supported by improving economic indicators
Karachi, as an economic hub, will lead in benefits
Integration of AI, cybersecurity, and broadband expansion
Better governance, healthcare, education, and business operations expected

Youth Training & AI Policy

Pakistan approved its first AI policy
Training 500,000–1 million youth in AI and cybersecurity by end of 2025
Preparing youth for tech-oriented job roles
Opportunities in fintech, smart city projects, e-commerce, and cybersecurity

Connectivity and Cybersecurity Measures

Damage to submarine cables near Jeddah disrupted services
Expansion of submarine cable capacity and fiberisation underway
Government successfully blocked cyber attacks from India
5G deployment will include robust cybersecurity protection

Benefits of 5G Rollout

High-speed mobile internet: Faster downloads and seamless streaming
Smart city development: Improved IoT, traffic, and urban planning
E-Government services: Reliable online services for citizens
Business growth: Startups, fintech, and e-commerce opportunities
Global competitiveness: Align Pakistan with other digital economies in Asia

Phased 5G Launch Timeline

Karachi – Q1 2025: Commercial & business hubs
Lahore – Q2 2025: Education & tech parks
Islamabad – Q2 2025: Government services
Rawalpindi – Q2 2025: Residential & smart tech
Faisalabad – Q3 2025: Industrial zones
Peshawar – Q3 2025: IT & startup ecosystem
Multan – Q4 2025: Agriculture & trade

FAQs

Which cities get 5G first? Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Multan
When will 5G launch? Early 2025, phased rollout
Internet speed impact? Up to 10 Gbps, low latency
Cybersecurity concerns? Measures strengthened, hacking attempts blocked
Job opportunities? Yes, AI and cybersecurity training for youth

Conclusion

Pakistan’s 5G rollout in seven cities is a major step toward a digitally connected future. With ultra-fast internet, AI programs, and cybersecurity measures, citizens, businesses, and students are set to benefit from tech-driven opportunities.