Pakistan to launch 5G in coming months, IT minister confirms

Federal IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced that Pakistan will introduce 5G services in the coming months, with an initial rollout planned across seven major cities. Speaking at the inauguration of the 26th ITCN Asia Expo in Karachi, she said work is under way to make internet access more reliable nationwide and to strengthen the country’s digital backbone.

The minister said information technology will be a core element of the recently signed Pakistan–Saudi agreement, adding that improved digital infrastructure would accelerate growth. She pointed to stabilising macroeconomic indicators and a recovery from default fears, while noting Karachi’s central role in economic activity.

Khawaja highlighted cabinet approval of Pakistan’s Artificial Intelligence policy and its implementation plan. Between 500,000 and one million young people are to receive training in AI and cybersecurity by year-end, she said, urging youth to seize opportunities created by emerging technologies.

Addressing network quality concerns, the minister explained that two submarine cables near Jeddah had been damaged, degrading services. The government, she added, is working to expand submarine cable capacity and speed up fiberisation to improve resilience. She also said Pakistan had recently foiled hacking attempts attributed to India during a period of heightened tension, with no government websites compromised.

The announcement follows PTA assessments that, despite growing broadband uptake, migrating to 5G will be challenging due to financial and infrastructure hurdles — issues the government says it is moving to tackle.