Talk around the launch of 5G in Pakistan has grown louder in recent months, especially on social media, where users continue to complain about slow and unreliable internet speeds.
From buffering videos to dropped video calls and delayed downloads, frustration has become part of daily digital life for many Pakistanis. As mobile data use keeps rising, one question is being asked more than ever about when 5G will finally arrive in Pakistan.
Multiple reports suggest that the first signs of 5G services could appear between February and April, with wider access likely by May. While this does not mean instant nationwide coverage, it does point towards the beginning of a long awaited shift in Pakistan’s mobile internet landscape.
Which cities will get 5G first?
According to officials and industry sources, the initial rollout of 5G services is expected in major urban centres. Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad are likely to be the first cities to experience the new technology, followed by other provincial capitals. These cities already carry the highest data load and have infrastructure that can support early deployment.
The introduction of 5G is also expected to lift overall internet performance. Officials say average mobile internet speeds, which currently hover around 4 Mbps, could increase to as much as 26 Mbps over time. This improvement will not only come from 5G itself but also from upgrades to existing 4G networks.
Government timeline and spectrum auction
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja has said that the 5G rollout is expected to begin in five cities during the first quarter of the next financial year. Speaking at a webinar organised by the IT ministry, she confirmed that a spectrum auction is planned for February 2026.
After the auction, it may take around six months for commercial 5G services to go live in Islamabad and four provincial capitals. The minister also noted that improvements in 4G services are expected within four months of the auction.
The Economic Coordination Committee, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, has already approved key recommendations for what will be Pakistan’s largest ever spectrum auction. Nearly 600 MHz of spectrum will be auctioned, in addition to the 274 MHz already in use. Most frequency bands will be offered for the first time, marking a major step for the telecom sector.
Rising demand for faster internet
Pakistan now has around 200 million mobile subscribers and nearly 150 million mobile broadband users. Data traffic has grown by about 70 percent over the past five years, showing how quickly digital demand is rising. With this growth, pressure has mounted on both the government and telecom operators to deliver faster and more reliable services.
Officials have said the goal is not limited to cities alone. There are also plans to improve internet access on highways and in remote areas, where connectivity remains weak.
While a full nationwide rollout will take time, the direction is now clearer than ever. If the planned auction and approvals stay on track, Pakistan could finally begin its 5G journey in 2026, offering some relief to users who have been waiting far too long for better internet.
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