Pakistan’s mobile phone industry is preparing for the anticipated rollout of 5G services by mid-year, with manufacturers aligning production strategies and technology roadmaps to support next-generation connectivity as the country moves toward faster mobile networks.
The sector has grown rapidly in recent years, with more than 30 local assembly units producing approximately 30 million handsets annually, positioning Pakistan as an emerging manufacturing hub in South Asia. Industry stakeholders say manufacturers are largely ready from a hardware perspective, with many smartphones already supporting the frequency bands expected to be used in Pakistan’s future 5G networks.
However, industry experts note that the success of 5G adoption will depend on coordinated progress across spectrum allocation, network deployment and consumer affordability. Initial adoption is expected to begin in major urban centres such as Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad before expanding nationwide as coverage improves and device prices become more accessible.
Manufacturers are expected to follow a dual strategy, introducing new 5G-enabled models while continuing to offer 4G devices for price-sensitive consumers. Industry leaders also highlighted that 5G capability requires dedicated hardware, including compatible chipsets and antennas, and cannot be enabled through software upgrades alone.
While the transition is expected to create long-term opportunities, including strengthening Pakistan’s position in regional manufacturing supply chains, industry representatives caution that early benefits may be limited. 5G devices are likely to account for around 20 percent of the market in the initial phase, with higher handset prices potentially slowing adoption among lower-income consumers until affordability improves.
