Pakistan’s telecom sector recorded notable growth across major performance indicators between fiscal years 2022-23 and 2024-25, with total revenues reaching Rs 1,075 billion, according to a written reply submitted to the Senate of Pakistan by the Cabinet Division. The data reflects steady expansion in subscriber base, broadband penetration, infrastructure development, and financial performance, underscoring the sector’s growing contribution to the national economy and digital ecosystem.
Broadband penetration increased by 13.1 percent during the review period, rising from 53.6 percent to 60.6 percent. Total broadband subscribers grew by 18.1 percent to reach 150 million users nationwide. This expansion was largely supported by a 26.4 percent rise in 4G subscribers, which climbed from 111.9 million to 141.4 million. Mobile subscribers also posted consistent growth of 3.6 percent, bringing the total number of cellular connections to 197.8 million across the country. The surge in digital adoption was further reflected in mobile data consumption, which rose by 30.4 percent from 10,850 petabytes to 14,153 petabytes, indicating increasing reliance on data driven services, streaming platforms, online commerce, and digital communication tools.
Network infrastructure also strengthened during this period, with the number of operational cell sites increasing by 9 percent to reach 58,423. The expansion of infrastructure enhanced coverage and capacity across urban centers as well as underserved rural areas, supporting improved service quality and network reliability. Financial indicators showed strong sectoral performance, with telecom revenues growing by 31.6 percent to Rs 1,075 billion. Investment in the sector rose by 8.8 percent, while foreign direct investment recorded a 67.2 percent increase, suggesting renewed confidence among international investors in Pakistan’s telecom market. Average revenue per user improved by 33.6 percent, increasing from Rs 229 to Rs 306 per month, reflecting higher data usage and value added services. The telecom sector contributed Rs 402 billion to the national exchequer, marking a 17.9 percent rise in government revenues generated from the industry.
The reply also outlined the regulatory and supervisory responsibilities of PTA, which oversees the establishment, operation, and maintenance of telecommunication systems and services in the country. PTA manages radio frequency spectrum allocation, promotes fair competition, safeguards consumer interests, ensures compliance with licensing obligations, and supports the modernization of telecom infrastructure. The authority is further responsible for dispute resolution among licensees, regulation of revenue sharing arrangements, monitoring of universal service obligations, and provision of policy recommendations to the federal government on matters related to international telecommunications. In addition to service expansion, local device assembly recorded growth of 101.5 percent during the period, indicating progress toward strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity within Pakistan’s broader digital economy framework.
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