KARACHI: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced on Tuesday that Pakistan is preparing to launch 5G services in the coming months, beginning with seven major cities across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 26th ITCN Asia Expo at Expo Centre Karachi, she said the government is taking steps to ensure faster and more reliable internet nationwide. The rollout of 5G services is seen as a milestone for Pakistan’s digital future, though challenges remain.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in its 2024 annual report, highlighted that while broadband penetration is increasing, the transition to 5G will be financially difficult. Despite these concerns, officials remain hopeful that new technology will help boost economic growth and investment opportunities.
The IT minister stressed that information technology is the “core element” of a recently signed Pakistan-Saudi agreement, which aims to strengthen digital infrastructure and open new avenues for cooperation. She also underlined the importance of Karachi, calling it the backbone of the country’s economy.
Highlighting recent progress, Khawaja noted that inflation has eased and macroeconomic stability has improved, helping Pakistan earn global recognition for its resilience. Under the “Digital Pakistan” initiative, technology rankings are also improving, she added.
She revealed that the cabinet has approved Pakistan’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, with implementation already underway. Between 0.5 to 1 million youth are expected to receive training in AI and cybersecurity by the end of this year.
Addressing concerns over mobile and data issues, the minister said network disruptions were caused by two submarine cables damaged in the Red Sea near Jeddah. She assured that work is in progress to increase cable capacity and expand fiberisation for more reliable connectivity.
Khawaja also mentioned that Pakistan had successfully prevented recent hacking attempts from India, with no government websites compromised.
The upcoming rollout of 5G services is expected to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation and provide new opportunities for businesses and youth alike.
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