Pakistan to Launch 5G in 7 Cities: IT Minister’s 2025 Announcement

Pakistan is finally stepping into the 5G era. Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, announced during the 26th ITCN Asia Expo in Karachi that 5G services will roll out in seven major cities in 2025.

This initiative is part of the Digital Pakistan vision, aiming to boost high-speed internet access, strengthen cybersecurity, and prepare the youth for the digital economy. The launch of 5G will not only transform communication but also create opportunities in business, education, and technology across the country.

What 5G Means for Pakistan

5G, the fifth generation of mobile networks, goes beyond faster browsing. It introduces:

• Ultra-fast internet speeds (up to 100 times faster than 4G)

• Low latency for smooth streaming, gaming, and video calls

• IoT and Smart City support, powering AI-based solutions, e-commerce, and fintech

• Digital transformation for government services, startups, and industry

For Pakistan, this means more than speed—it’s about connecting citizens, empowering businesses, and accelerating economic growth.

Also read:Zong and ZTE Launch the First 3G&4G Dual-Mode with High-Power FDD Massive MIMO Solution in Pakistan

IT Minister’s Key Announcement

At the ITCN Asia Expo, the IT Minister confirmed:

• 7 cities will be the first phase of 5G rollout

• Expansion of fiber and digital infrastructure nationwide

• Commitment to economic development through technology

The initiative links directly with Pakistan’s national growth strategy, focusing on innovation and IT exports.

Challenges in 5G Implementation

While the benefits are clear, 5G deployment faces challenges:

• High infrastructure cost (towers, fiber cables, equipment)

• Regulatory approval delays from PTA during 4G to 5G migration

• Consumer affordability as not all citizens own 5G-enabled devices

Despite these hurdles, partnerships with Saudi Arabia and other nations are expected to attract foreign investment in telecom and IT.

Feature	4G	5G
Download Speed	Up to 100 Mbps	Up to 10 Gbps
Latency	~50 ms	~1 ms
IoT / Smart City Support	Limited	Advanced
Network Capacity	Moderate	High
Economic Impact	Moderate	Significant

Economic & Digital Impact

The 5G project supports Pakistan’s broader Digital Pakistan initiative:

• Boosting AI, cybersecurity, and broadband services

• Driving economic stability through digital investment

• Strengthening education, healthcare, fintech, and governance

Karachi will be the first to benefit as the business hub, followed by Lahore, Islamabad, and other key cities.

AI Policy & Youth Training

The government is also preparing the workforce for the 5G and AI-driven economy:

• Launch of Pakistan’s first AI policy

• Training 500,000–1,000,000 youth in AI, IT, and cybersecurity

• Opening opportunities in fintech, e-commerce, and smart city projects

Connectivity & Cybersecurity

Pakistan faces internet disruptions due to submarine cable damages, but fiber expansion is in progress.

In terms of cybersecurity:

• Hacking attempts have been successfully blocked

• Government sites remain protected despite regional challenges

With 5G expansion, cybersecurity will be even more important to secure businesses and citizens.

Benefits of 5G Rollout

• Faster mobile internet for streaming, gaming, and remote work

• Smart city growth with IoT-enabled infrastructure

• E-governance through reliable digital services

• Business innovation in fintech, startups, and e-commerce

• Global competitiveness, aligning Pakistan with Asia’s digital economies

City	Expected Launch Period	Key Focus Areas
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

Q1: Which cities will get 5G first in Pakistan?

A1: Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Peshawar, and Multan.

Q2: When will 5G launch in Pakistan?

A2: The rollout begins in early 2025, expanding in phases.

Q3: What internet speed will 5G offer?

A3: Speeds up to 10 Gbps, far higher than 4G.

Q4: Will 5G create job opportunities?

A4: Yes, especially in AI, cybersecurity, fintech, and startups.

Q5: Are there cybersecurity risks with 5G

?

A5: Risks exist, but the government has upgraded security protocols.

Also read:Pakistan 5G Rollout 2025 – Launch in Seven Cities Confirmed

Conclusion

Pakistan’s 5G launch in 2025 is a turning point for its digital future. With faster internet, AI policies, youth training, and cybersecurity, the country is preparing for a tech-driven economy. Students, entrepreneurs, and businesses should gear up to embrace these opportunities.

👉 Stay updated on Digital Pakistan initiatives to benefit from new job and business opportunities.