Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G network has hit yet another snag, leaving users and industry experts scratching their heads. The real reasons why 5G is delayed in Pakistan boiled down to a tangled web of unpaid telecom dues, sluggish policy decisions, and gaps in infrastructure.
As highlighted by the National Assembly IT Subcommittee, major telecom players are sitting on billions of rupees in unpaid spectrum fees, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) still hasn’t wrapped up the 5G spectrum auction — pushing the launch date for 5G in Pakistan even further into the future.
The Main Causes Behind the Delay
1. Telecom Dues Over Rs. 55 Billion:
Companies are stuck with outstanding payments from previous spectrum renewals, which is holding up new auctions for 5G frequencies.
2. Regulatory and Policy Delays:
The 5G Policy Framework is still under review, creating a cloud of uncertainty for operators and investors alike.
3. Infrastructure and Cost Barriers:
Many rural and mountainous regions — particularly Azad Kashmir and Balochistan — are still lacking the modern network infrastructure necessary for 5G rollout.
4. Economic Instability:
The depreciation of the currency and steep import taxes on telecom equipment have put a damper on investments.
Expected 5G Launch Date in Pakistan:
It looks like Pakistan might be gearing up for some limited 5G trials around mid-2025, with a wider rollout anticipated by 2026, according to government sources. The first phase is set to focus on major cities like Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.
That said, officials are cautioning that the launch date could keep changing until telecom dues are settled and the necessary policy framework gets the green light.
Final Thoughts
The delays in launching 5G in Pakistan by 2025 aren’t just about the technology itself — they also hinge on governance, regulations, and financial preparedness.
If these hurdles are tackled in time, Pakistan could finally step into the global 5G scene by 2026, paving the way for a new era of connectivity and innovation.
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