Mobile users across Pakistan may face higher prices for data, call and SMS packages under proposed new regulations being introduced by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has drafted the Telecommunication Competition Rules 2026, which would give the PTA broader powers to redefine telecom markets and strengthen its oversight of market conditions.
Under the proposed rules, the PTA could periodically review the telecom sector in light of technological developments, market conditions, and consumer needs. The regulator would also have the authority to redefine market boundaries where necessary.
The proposed framework would allow the PTA to assess competition and pricing among telecom operators by considering consumer demand, available alternatives, price trends and technological developments.
According to official documents and a PTA report, a review of 10 major subscriber packages offered by Jazz, Telenor, Zong and Ufone between June 2025 and June 2026 showed overall price increases ranging from approximately 12% to 22%, depending on the package.
However, the PTA has rejected reports that telecom companies are increasing package prices by 10% to 20% every month. According to the authority, when annual price increases are averaged on a monthly basis, the increase comes to approximately 1% to 2%.
Once the proposed regulations are implemented, the PTA may reassess package pricing and the competitive structure of the telecom market. This could result in further changes to the prices of mobile data, call and SMS packages. However, the proposed regulations are currently at the draft stage, and any potential increase in package prices should not be considered a final decision. The actual impact will become clear after the regulations are approved and implemented, and telecom operators make any subsequent pricing decisions.