The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has advised mobile users to activate a free service that helps stop unexpected balance deductions, according to reports on Thursday.
In a statement issued on March 19, 2026, in Islamabad, PTA said users can lose balance when their internet package finishes, but mobile data continues to run on expensive pay as you go rates.
To prevent this, telecom companies offer a free “balance save” or pay as you go blocker service.
This service automatically turns off mobile data once the package is used up. And this will protect the remaining balance.
PTA asked users to activate the service using the following codes:
- Jazz: *275#
- Zong: *4004#
- Ufone: *6611#
- Telenor Pakistan: *342#
The authority said that this step will help users avoid extra charges and better control their mobile data usage.
5G services officially launched
One of the most popular SIM carriers in Pakistan, Zong, has officially launched its 5G services across more than 16 cities in Pakistan after securing its license, according to details on Thursday.
According to the details, the cities include some of the major cities of Pakistan, including the Federal capital, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta, a spokesperson confirmed.
The company further announced its plans to begin a new era of high speed internet in the country.
Earlier, PTA Director General Aamir Shahzad said bids were placed for two out of six available spectrum bands in the first phase. All three telecom companies participated in the bidding process.
Jazz initiates 5G service trials
Prior to this, Internet users in Islamabad have begun reporting access to 5G mobile services, as Jazz initiates trials of 5G networks in the city’s F-7 sector and other major cities.
A post on X indicates download speeds reaching 1,400 Mbps (1.4 Gbps) and upload speeds around 81.7 Mbps.
