The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has prepared recommendations to address disruptions in telecom services caused by prolonged power outages and rising petroleum prices.
The issue of telecom service interruptions has become increasingly serious due to extended loadshedding and expensive fuel in the country. The PTA has presented key proposals to the Ministry of IT and other stakeholders.
The PTA has recommended exempting telecom infrastructure from loadshedding, stating that relying solely on backup systems during prolonged outages is not sustainable. It further noted that diesel and other backup resources for telecom infrastructure are quickly depleted.
The authority emphasised that better telecom services require industrial coordination and government support. It suggested ensuring the provision of dedicated express feeders through distribution companies and requested power supply companies to provide uninterrupted electricity to critical telecom sites on a priority basis.
PTA warns of unexpected data charges: see free protection codes
Earlier, PTA advised mobile users to activate a free service that helps stop unexpected balance deductions, according to reports.
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, officially launched its 5G services across more than 16 cities in Pakistan after securing its license.
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.
Also read: PTA warns of unexpected data charges: see free protection codes
