Pakistan to Debut 5G in August; iPhone Owners Likely Deferred to 2027**

Pakistan is reportedly nearing the debut of commercial 5G connectivity, with a deployment goal established for August 2026. Service providers have started bringing in essential network hardware and are executing localized pilot programs at specific hubs to evaluate speed, range, and operational stability before a larger release.

Among the leading firms, Jazz is finalizing a multi-stage growth plan for its 5G facilities. During the first phase, the operator intends to grow its tower presence from roughly 150 locations to nearly 1,000, with the objective of reaching about 2,500 sites by the close of the year. This step-by-step approach is designed to maintain reliability, refine connectivity, and resolve technical hurdles prior to pursuing a full national rollout.

Even with these advancements, broad usage is anticipated to be gradual due to major market hurdles. At present, only about 5% of mobile devices in Pakistan support 5G, restricting the initial audience. Furthermore, Apple iPhone owners within the nation might face a longer wait for 5G functionality, with full software enablement potentially pushed back to 2027 based on carrier agreements and government approvals.

Market analysts also highlight that steep duties on mobile phones and a lack of budget-friendly 5G handsets continue to be primary obstacles to fast-paced growth. These issues may delay the shift of the general public to advanced networks even after the official commercial start, suggesting that device pricing and regulatory reforms will be vital for the success of Pakistan's 5G evolution.