Pakistan’s telecom sector is moving toward a structured and long-term 5G rollout, as the Ministry of IT has presented a detailed roadmap in Parliament. The plan outlines a gradual expansion of next-generation connectivity, supported by strict infrastructure and performance targets to strengthen the country’s digital ecosystem.
Under this roadmap, 5G services will be introduced across Pakistan in four distinct phases, with full coverage planned over the next decade. The government aims to bring 5G to 40 cities by 2035, ensuring steady growth instead of a rushed launch. This approach is designed to balance network quality, infrastructure readiness, and nationwide access.
The first phase is set to begin by 2028. It will initially cover major urban centers, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta. These cities will act as the foundation for early 5G deployment. In the second phase, running from 2028 to 2030, the network will expand to 10 additional cities. At least two cities from each province will be included to ensure balanced regional growth.
The rollout will continue in the third phase between 2030 and 2032. During this period, 5G services will reach another 10 cities, again with a minimum of two cities from each province. Finally, in the fourth phase from 2032 to 2035, the network will extend to 15 more cities. This stage will also follow the same rule, including at least two cities from every province.
In addition to expansion plans, the government has set clear requirements for telecom operators. Mobile network operators must install 1,000 new 4G and 5G sites every year. This requirement is expected to improve coverage and reduce service gaps across urban and rural areas.
The recently issued licenses also include stronger Quality of Service (QoS) standards. These improvements aim to deliver better internet speeds and a smoother user experience. For 4G networks, the minimum data rate has been increased from 4 Mbps to 20 Mbps. Furthermore, it will be raised to 50 Mbps in phases.
For 5G, the data rate has been set at 50 Mbps as a baseline. The long-term goal is to reach 100 Mbps in a phased manner. This shift is expected to support faster downloads, improved streaming quality, and more reliable connections for users across the country.
Overall, the roadmap reflects a careful and structured push toward modern connectivity. It focuses on gradual expansion, strong infrastructure growth, and improved service standards to support Pakistan’s digital future.
