Pakistan’s nationwide rollout of fifth-generation (5G) mobile services is expected to take another two years, according to information shared by the government in the National Assembly, highlighting the challenges involved in extending next-generation connectivity beyond initial deployment areas. During a Question Hour session, Parliamentary Secretary for Information Technology Sabeen Ghouri told lawmakers that 5G services were available in 24 cities, while efforts were continuing to improve network performance before coverage could be expanded further. The announcement comes as mobile users continue to report problems with internet speeds, unreliable connections and limited network coverage in different parts of the country. Lawmakers questioned whether the expansion of 5G would deliver meaningful improvements for consumers while existing mobile services remained inconsistent. The discussion has brought attention to the difference between introducing new mobile technology in selected locations and building the infrastructure required to provide dependable connectivity nationwide. Although the rollout has begun, extending services to additional cities and areas will require continued investment in network infrastructure, upgrades and operational capacity.
Concerns about connectivity were raised by Pakistan Peoples Party lawmaker Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, who highlighted complaints about sluggish 4G and 5G services in Nawabshah and other locations. She called for a coordinated strategy to improve internet speeds and address the difficulties faced by subscribers. Other lawmakers also questioned the quality of services available to consumers. Noor Alam raised concerns about users being charged for 5G services despite difficulties accessing the technology, while Nabeel Gabol expressed frustration over the gap between expectations surrounding the launch and the actual experience of mobile users. Abdul Qadir Patel, who was presiding over the session, questioned the rationale for introducing a new generation of mobile technology while problems with existing services remained unresolved. These concerns underline the importance of assessing network performance alongside the number of cities in which operators have introduced 5G. For consumers, the practical benefits of a new network depend on signal availability, coverage, capacity and consistent performance, rather than the technology label alone.
Pakistan began its commercial 5G rollout in March 2026 following a multiband spectrum auction and the issuance of licences to cellular operators. According to information reported separately by Business Recorder, 1,782 5G sites had been deployed across 24 cities by October 23, with Jazz accounting for 1,015 sites, Zong for 640 and Ufone for 127. The rollout is being implemented in phases, with operators required to meet deployment obligations while also improving the performance of existing 4G networks. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is responsible for monitoring compliance with licence conditions and service quality requirements. Network expansion involves more than activating additional sites, as operators must also integrate spectrum, upgrade equipment and ensure adequate backhaul capacity to carry growing volumes of data. These requirements make nationwide coverage a phased process rather than an immediate outcome of the initial commercial launch. The current deployment figures indicate that infrastructure is being established, but coverage remains uneven and the pace of expansion will determine how quickly more users can access the service.
The government’s two-year estimate places further attention on the need to improve both network availability and the quality of mobile internet services. Expanding 5G coverage could support faster data connections, higher network capacity and applications that require reliable mobile broadband. However, those benefits will depend on effective infrastructure deployment and the ability of consumers to access compatible devices. The cost of 5G-enabled smartphones remains another consideration, particularly for users who cannot afford to upgrade their existing handsets. At the same time, the complaints raised in Parliament show that improving current 4G performance remains an immediate priority for many subscribers. Telecom operators must therefore balance investment in next-generation infrastructure with the need to provide dependable services to existing customers. As the rollout progresses, coverage expansion, network quality and affordability will be important measures of its impact. The government has indicated that nationwide deployment will take more time, while the concerns raised by lawmakers highlight the need for measurable improvements in the connectivity consumers already rely on.
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