Introduction
Pakistan is moving towards its biggest digital transformation with the official announcement of the 5G rollout. Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja revealed at the 26th ITCN Asia Expo in Karachi that 5G will soon be launched in seven major cities. This project is expected to open new opportunities in education, healthcare, business, fintech, and AI-driven industries. Despite challenges such as infrastructure costs and connectivity issues, the government has assured that Pakistan is fully committed to building a Digital Pakistan.
5G Rollout – First Phase in Seven Cities
The first phase of the 5G project will cover seven major cities. While the government has not released the official list yet, the expected cities include:
- Karachi
- Lahore
- Islamabad
- Peshawar
- Quetta
- Faisalabad
- Multan
These cities were chosen based on their economic importance, population, and existing digital infrastructure.
| Phase 1 Rollout | Expected Cities |
|---|---|
| 5G Coverage | Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, Multan |
Challenges and Financial Barriers
Introducing 5G in Pakistan is not without hurdles. The minister admitted that high costs and infrastructure limitations are major challenges.
- Telecom companies are under pressure due to rising operational costs and foreign exchange shortages.
- PTA’s 2024 report highlighted the urgent need for fiberisation and additional towers, requiring billions in investment.
- Economic instability in recent years has slowed down infrastructure projects.
However, the government has signed a digital cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia, which is expected to ease investment pressures and support infrastructure development.
Digital Pakistan Vision & AI Training for Youth
The 5G launch is part of the broader Digital Pakistan Vision, which connects technology with economic growth. According to the IT minister:
- Inflation is easing, and macroeconomic stability is improving.
- Karachi, being the economic hub, will greatly benefit from fintech and entrepreneurship under 5G.
- Pakistan’s first-ever AI policy has been approved by the federal cabinet.
📌 Key Youth Initiative:
- Between 500,000 to 1 million young people will be trained in AI, cybersecurity, and machine learning.
- Training programs aim to prepare youth for future jobs as traditional roles are replaced by tech-driven opportunities.
Connectivity Issues & Cybersecurity Measures
While preparing for 5G, Pakistan continues to face issues in connectivity and cyber defense.
- Two damaged submarine cables near Jeddah recently caused internet slowdowns.
- The government is expanding fiberisation projects and submarine cable capacity to improve reliability.
- Cybersecurity has been strengthened after multiple hacking attempts from India were blocked, with no government websites compromised.
These measures ensure that Pakistan’s digital infrastructure will remain secure and resilient as 5G rolls out.
Benefits of 5G for Pakistan
The introduction of 5G will bring economic, social, and educational benefits across multiple sectors:
- Education: Smart classrooms, remote learning, and faster digital access.
- Healthcare: Remote surgeries, telemedicine, and real-time patient monitoring.
- Agriculture: Smart farming using IoT devices for better yields.
- Finance & Banking: Secure digital transactions and fintech growth.
- Business & Industry: AI integration, automation, and e-commerce expansion.
- Public Services: Digital governance and smart city development.
This digital revolution will make Pakistan more competitive on the global stage.
Conclusion
The announcement of 5G in seven cities of Pakistan in 2025 is a historic step towards building a stronger digital economy. While financial challenges and infrastructure gaps remain, the government’s commitment to youth training, AI integration, and cybersecurity shows clear determination. With better connectivity and smarter solutions, Pakistan is moving closer to its vision of Digital Pakistan, where technology drives growth, education, and sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will 5G launch in Pakistan?
5G will launch in seven major cities in the coming months of 2025.
2. Which cities will get 5G first?
Likely cities include Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta, Faisalabad, and Multan.
3. What are the challenges in adopting 5G?
High costs, limited infrastructure, and foreign exchange issues.
4. How will youth benefit from 5G?
With AI training and digital jobs, young people will gain access to global markets and freelancing opportunities.
5. Is Pakistan ready for 5G?
Yes, though success depends on infrastructure upgrades, financial investment, and strong regulation.