By Ijaz Kakakhel

Pakistan’s transition toward next-generation mobile connectivity has gathered pace, with a total of 345 operational 5G sites now deployed across 22 cities, according to official figures available with Wealth Pakistan. The rollout marks a significant milestone in the country’s digital transformation, as telecom operators continue expanding their networks following the allocation of 5G spectrum.

Among the country’s cellular mobile operators, Jazz has emerged as the leader with 176 operational 5G sites, accounting for more than half of the total deployment. CMPak (Zong) follows closely with 147 sites, while Ufone has established 22 sites, bringing the nationwide total to 345.

The deployment is currently concentrated in major urban centres where demand for high-speed mobile broadband is greatest. Islamabad has the highest number of operational 5G sites, with 79, making the federal capital the country’s most connected city for next-generation mobile services. The capital’s network includes 45 Jazz sites, 28 Zong sites, and six Ufone sites, highlighting strong competition among operators.

Lahore ranks second with 69 sites, including 35 Jazz, 19 Zong, and 15 Ufone installations. The city also has the strongest Ufone presence, accounting for the majority of the operator’s nationwide 5G footprint.

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest commercial hub, has 50 operational sites, with 27 deployed by Jazz and 23 by Zong. Faisalabad follows with 32 sites, while Multan has 28 and Peshawar has 25, drawing advanced mobile services beyond major metros.

Other cities benefiting from the rollout include Rawalpindi with 17 sites, Quetta with 14, Gujranwala with 7, and Abbottabad, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Sukkur, Kohat, Swabi, Mardan, Attock, Kasur, Jhelum, Sheikhupura, Rahim Yar Khan, and Sahiwal, where initial deployments have begun with smaller numbers of sites.

The data indicate that while Jazz currently leads the rollout, Zong has established a strong presence across a broader range of cities, including several locations where it is currently the sole operator offering 5G services. Ufone’s deployment remains limited but is focused on key urban markets such as Islamabad, Lahore, and Rawalpindi.

The document revealed that the rollout has required extensive preparation, including procuring and installing new telecom equipment, integrating new spectrum, modernizing the network, and ensuring the availability of compatible 5G smartphones. These prerequisites have influenced the pace of commercial deployment.

The authorities have also stated that 5G services, alongside improved 4G performance, are being introduced in areas where new base transceiver stations (BTS) and spectrum integration have been completed. Network quality is being monitored through regular submissions by telecom operators and field surveys to ensure compliance with quality-of-service standards.

The initial deployment strategy prioritises federal and provincial capitals, although operators are free to expand into additional cities based on commercial demand and business plans. Industry experts believe the current network of 345 sites represents the first phase of Pakistan’s 5G journey, with wider coverage expected as operators continue investing in infrastructure.

With the rollout now spanning 22 cities, Pakistan’s telecommunications sector has taken an important step toward faster mobile internet, lower latency, and improved digital services for consumers and businesses alike. Further expansion in the coming months is expected to strengthen nationwide connectivity and support the country’s growing digital economy.

Credit: INP-WealthPk