Islamabad, October 21, 2025 — Telecom operator Zong has taken a pioneering step to enhance the reliability and safety of Pakistan’s telecom power infrastructure by localising global lithium battery safety standards through in-depth research, testing, and operational governance.
With the telecom sector increasingly dependent on lithium-based batteries to sustain network operations, safety has become a critical priority — particularly in Pakistan’s high-temperature and unstable power conditions. Addressing these challenges, Zong has become one of the first telecom companies in the country to adapt international lithium safety protocols to local environments.
In collaboration with the Islamic University Laboratory, Zong conducted a comprehensive lithium battery safety testing program, bringing together engineers, industry experts, and suppliers to analyze cell performance and mitigate the risk of dendritic lithium formation — a phenomenon that can cause overheating or fire hazards in lithium cells.
A Zong spokesperson emphasized the broader significance of the initiative:
“Battery safety is not just a technical issue — it’s about ensuring the resilience of Pakistan’s digital future. By investing in local research and quality assurance, Zong is protecting both our network and the millions of people who rely on it every day.”
Using advanced vacuum and moisture-free testing equipment, Zong’s engineering teams evaluated lithium deposition and structural integrity, ensuring compliance with international safety and reliability standards. The initiative aligns with Zong’s wider commitment to building a smarter, safer, and more sustainable telecom network.
Globally, organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have identified lithium battery safety as a governance priority. Zong’s proactive approach aligns with these global directives, adapting them to Pakistan’s operational context to mitigate environmental and energy efficiency risks.
Beyond its internal efforts, Zong is also advocating for national telecom safety standards, calling for a unified framework for battery testing, deployment, and recycling across the industry. Such standards could enhance network reliability, reduce environmental hazards, and strengthen public trust in Pakistan’s expanding digital infrastructure.
