Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has released its Annual Report for 2024 25, outlining the sustained growth, resilience, and operational performance of Pakistan’s telecom sector during the reporting period. The report provides a comprehensive overview of subscriber expansion, infrastructure development, financial contributions, and regulatory initiatives, reflecting the sector’s continued importance to national connectivity and economic activity.
According to PTA, Pakistan surpassed 200 million telecom subscribers by the end of December 2025, while broadband connections reached 150 million across the country. Telecom coverage exceeded 92 percent, indicating widespread access to mobile services, and broadband penetration crossed 60 percent, highlighting the increasing adoption of internet based services by consumers and businesses. Financial performance remained strong, with sector revenues crossing PKR 1 trillion, representing a 12 percent year on year increase. The telecom industry’s contribution to the national exchequer reached PKR 402 billion in 2025, underscoring its role as a significant source of government revenue. PTA also reported that sector investments grew by 9 percent during the year, reaching US$ 838 million, reflecting continued confidence by operators and stakeholders despite broader economic challenges.
The report noted substantial progress in telecom infrastructure expansion, which directly contributed to higher data consumption and improved network quality. Data usage reached 27,727 petabytes in 2025, marking a 59 percent increase compared to the previous year. This rise was supported by the continued rollout and optimization of advanced networks, with 95 percent of cellular infrastructure now capable of delivering 4G services nationwide. International connectivity was further strengthened through the addition of four new high capacity submarine cables, enhancing bandwidth availability and network resilience. PTA also played a facilitative role in implementing the National Roaming initiative, aimed at improving service access in less developed regions. Infrastructure expansion efforts extended across Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit Baltistan, contributing to more consistent coverage and improved service continuity in remote and underserved areas.
Local device manufacturing also emerged as a key highlight of the reporting period. PTA stated that over 95 percent of mobile devices used in Pakistan are now locally manufactured, including 68 percent of smartphones. This development reflects the growth of domestic assembly and manufacturing capabilities, supporting employment generation and reducing dependency on imports. Alongside manufacturing progress, PTA emphasized its focus on network security and consumer welfare. Pakistan achieved an improved standing in global cybersecurity rankings, supported by effective threat monitoring and response through National Telecom Security Operations Center operations. Consumer protection initiatives led to a 13 percent reduction in complaints, indicating improvements in service delivery, complaint handling, and regulatory oversight. The Annual Report also reaffirmed PTA’s continued commitment to advancing 5G readiness, strengthening cybersecurity frameworks, and supporting the transition toward a secure, future ready digital economy aligned with national digital development goals.
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