The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) says 5G phones have become more affordable in Pakistan, with the cheapest available handset costing approximately Rs. 36,000.
The ministry also reported that 607,093 5G-capable handsets were locally assembled between January and August 2026, as Pakistan continues to expand its next-generation mobile networks.
According to the ministry’s reply to the National Assembly, Pakistan has deployed 1,782 5G sites across 24 cities. The rollout follows the multiband spectrum auction and signing of licences on March 19, 2026, with the first phase currently underway.
Operator-wise figures show that Jazz has deployed 1,015 5G sites, followed by CMPak (Zong) with 640 and Ufone with 127.
Karachi has the highest number of deployed sites at 385, followed by Lahore with 373 and Islamabad with 276. Faisalabad has 144 sites, Peshawar 122 and Rawalpindi 108, while Sialkot has 87 and Quetta 65.
The government said mobile and internet service quality is gradually improving through the allocation of additional spectrum and continued network expansion.
New rollout obligations have also been added to telecom licences to address existing 4G coverage gaps alongside the introduction of 5G. Operators must deploy services in federal and provincial capitals during the first phase, while they can extend coverage to other cities according to their business plans.
The ministry said the growing local assembly of 5G-compatible handsets is expected to improve device availability and affordability. However, the expansion of 5G services will depend on the phased deployment plan, network coverage and access to compatible devices.
The government has not specified a nationwide deadline for affordable 5G access for all users.
The ministry also clarified that users with existing 4G-compatible SIMs do not need to upgrade them to access 5G services in Pakistan. However, they must have a 5G-compatible handset and access to a network with 5G coverage.
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