Pakistan’s telecom industry is facing a growing infrastructure challenge after it was revealed that more than 9,000 telecom towers across the country have been damaged or looted, creating significant hurdles for network expansion and the nationwide deployment of 5G services. The issue was highlighted during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, where officials discussed the deteriorating condition of telecom infrastructure and its impact on the country’s digital transformation agenda. Industry stakeholders warned that continued vandalism, theft and attacks on telecom sites are increasing operational costs, disrupting network reliability and slowing investments needed to support next-generation mobile connectivity.
According to officials, telecom towers have increasingly become targets of theft, with criminals stealing batteries, diesel generators, electrical equipment, power cables and other essential infrastructure required to keep base stations operational. In many remote and underserved regions, repeated incidents of vandalism have led to prolonged service disruptions and expensive repair work for telecom operators. The financial burden of replacing damaged equipment has also diverted resources that could otherwise be invested in expanding broadband coverage, improving network quality and accelerating the rollout of advanced mobile technologies. Operators have emphasized that maintaining secure telecom infrastructure is becoming one of the biggest operational challenges facing the industry.
The issue has gained added significance as Pakistan prepares for wider 5G deployment, which will require extensive investment in modern network infrastructure, additional cell sites and expanded fiber connectivity. Industry representatives stressed that protecting existing telecom assets is just as important as building new infrastructure, since reliable 5G services depend on a resilient and secure network foundation. Frequent damage to telecom towers not only affects voice and data services but also undermines investor confidence by increasing operational risks and delaying infrastructure upgrades. Officials also noted that uninterrupted telecom connectivity has become increasingly critical for digital banking, e-commerce, emergency services, education and government digital initiatives.
Members of the parliamentary committee called for stronger coordination between telecom operators, law enforcement agencies and provincial governments to improve the security of telecom infrastructure across the country. Suggestions discussed included enhanced surveillance, stricter penalties for vandalism and theft, faster law enforcement response and greater cooperation with local administrations to safeguard critical communication assets. As Pakistan continues investing in digital connectivity and next-generation mobile technologies, ensuring the protection of telecom infrastructure is expected to remain a key priority for both policymakers and industry stakeholders. Strengthening the security of thousands of telecom sites will be essential to supporting reliable communications services and ensuring the successful expansion of 5G networks across the country.
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