5G Rollout on Track: Pakistan to Launch Services in Major Cities Soon
— January 16, 2026
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Pakistan is set to introduce 5G services in major cities in the coming months, as announced by Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja. Addressing the Indus AI Week 2026 ceremony, she emphasized the government’s commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for national development and transforming Pakistan into a leading producer of emerging technologies.
The National AI Policy, approved in 2025, aims to promote AI innovation and infrastructure, with initiatives such as training one million resources, offering 3,000 AI scholarships annually, and implementing 50 AI civic projects. The government has also established an AI Enablement Fund to support the sector.
The 5G rollout is expected to enhance internet connectivity, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) planning to auction spectrum bands by February 2026. The launch will initially cover major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Peshawar, and Multan.