After years of being a roadmap rather than a real service, 5G arrived in Pakistan in 2026. Following a landmark spectrum auction in March, commercial 5G began rolling out in the major cities. This page explains what actually happened, where you can get 5G now, the speeds to expect, and how to check whether your phone and SIM are ready.
The 5G spectrum auction: what happened
On 10 March 2026 the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) held the country’s Next Generation Mobile Services (NGMS)/5G spectrum auction in Islamabad. Key outcomes:
- The government raised about US$507 million, selling 480 MHz of the 597.2 MHz on offer across six frequency bands.
- Only the three established operators qualified and bid — Jazz, Ufone and Zong. No new international entrant joined.
- Spectrum won: Jazz took the largest share (190 MHz), followed by Ufone (180 MHz) and Zong (110 MHz).
With four operators having become three after the PTCL–Telenor consolidation, these three are the players building Pakistan’s 5G.
Who launched 5G first?
Jazz moved first, switching on commercial 5G at around 180 sites in late March 2026 across Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan and Faisalabad. Ufone and Zong, having also secured spectrum, are rolling out their own 5G in stages. The first phase concentrates on the federal and provincial capitals, with secondary cities expected to follow into 2027.
What speeds can you expect?
The PTA shifted from “minimum” speed targets to median benchmarks, which better reflect everyday experience. Under the current rollout obligations:
| Phase | Median speed target |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 (2026–2028) — 4G | 20 Mbps |
| Phase 1 (2026–2028) — 5G | 50 Mbps |
| By 2030 — 5G | 100 Mbps |
Latency — the delay that affects gaming and video calls — is targeted to drop from today’s 70 ms-plus to under about 35 ms on 5G. Real-world speeds will vary by city, site density and how busy the network is.
How to get ready for 5G
- Check your phone supports 5G. Look in Settings → About Phone / Network for a 5G or NR mode, or check your model’s specifications. A 4G-only phone cannot use 5G no matter the coverage.
- Make sure you are in a covered area. Early coverage is limited to parts of the big cities; check your operator’s coverage map.
- Enable 5G in settings. On a 5G phone, set the preferred network mode to include 5G.
- Confirm your SIM and plan. Most modern SIMs work, but check with your operator whether a specific 5G plan or SIM swap is needed.
The phone-import angle you should know about
Alongside the 5G push, the government introduced the Mobile and Electronic Devices Manufacturing Policy 2026–33, which moves to ban imports of used and refurbished phones and encourage local assembly, targeting 50% localisation by 2033. The aim is to make affordable, locally-made 5G handsets more available over time — relevant if you are planning to buy a 5G phone. (If you import a phone, remember it must still be registered with PTA — see our DIRBS registration guide.)
Frequently asked questions
Is 5G available in Pakistan now?
Yes, in limited areas. Following the March 2026 auction, Jazz launched commercial 5G at around 180 sites across Islamabad and the major provincial capitals, with other operators rolling out in stages. Coverage is concentrated in big cities first.
Which cities have 5G?
Early coverage centres on Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Quetta, Multan and Faisalabad. Secondary cities are expected to follow into 2027. Always check your operator’s current coverage map for your specific area.
Do I need a new phone for 5G?
You need a 5G-capable phone. A 4G-only device cannot connect to 5G regardless of coverage. Check your phone’s specifications or network settings for 5G/NR support.
How fast is 5G in Pakistan?
The current median target for 5G is 50 Mbps in this phase, rising to 100 Mbps by 2030, with much lower latency than 4G. Actual speeds depend on your location and network load.
Which operator has the most 5G spectrum?
Jazz won the largest share in the 2026 auction (190 MHz), followed by Ufone (180 MHz) and Zong (110 MHz). More spectrum can support wider coverage and higher capacity, but real performance also depends on how quickly each operator builds out its network.
5G rollout, coverage and pricing are changing quickly as operators complete their network builds. Check your operator’s official coverage map and plans for the latest position in your city.