Pakistan to Launch 5G in 7 Major Cities – September 2025 Update

ISLAMABAD (24 September 2025): Pakistan is set to roll out 5G services in seven major cities in the coming months, marking a significant milestone under the Digital Pakistan initiative. The announcement was made by Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, during the inauguration of the 26th ITCN Asia Expo at the Expo Centre Karachi.

5G Rollout in Pakistan – Key Details

According to the minister, the 5G rollout will initially focus on seven major urban centers, ensuring that metropolitan areas benefit first from next-generation connectivity. The plan is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and enhance economic growth.

While the names of all seven cities are yet to be officially confirmed, Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are expected to be among the first to experience the high-speed 5G network.

Challenges in Implementing 5G

The minister acknowledged that Pakistan faces several hurdles in launching 5G nationwide, including:

• Financial costs of upgrading to next-generation technology.

• Limited fiberisation and connectivity gaps in rural areas.

• Submarine cable disruptions in the Red Sea, which recently affected internet services.

Despite these challenges, the government is working to expand submarine cable capacity and strengthen nationwide broadband access to ensure smooth adoption of 5G.

Digital Pakistan & AI Policy

Shaza Fatima Khawaja emphasized that 5G is not just about faster internet—it is central to economic progress and digital transformation. She also highlighted:

• The approval of Pakistan’s first-ever Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy.

• Plans to train 500,000 to 1 million young people in AI, data security, and digital skills by year-end.

• Collaboration with Saudi Arabia to enhance digital infrastructure.

• Efforts by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to attract investment in Pakistan’s technology sector.

5G and Pakistan’s Economic Future

Officials believe that 5G will:

• Improve business competitiveness through faster data exchange.

• Boost e-commerce, fintech, and IT exports.

• Support education, healthcare, and smart city projects.

• Create new job opportunities in the tech sector.

The minister also confirmed that Pakistan had successfully blocked recent cyberattacks, ensuring government platforms remain secure.

Final Words

The upcoming 5G rollout in seven major cities of Pakistan represents a bold step toward digital transformation. With international partnerships, AI-driven training programs, and infrastructure investments, Pakistan aims to position itself as a competitive digital economy.

While challenges remain, the focus on youth empowerment, cybersecurity, and reliable connectivity makes this rollout a defining moment in Pakistan’s technology journey.