Pakistan 5G Rollout Faces Heat as Lawmakers Ask: ‘Has 4G Passed Away?’
The Pakistan 5G rollout came under sharp criticism in the National Assembly on Friday, where lawmakers complained about poor internet speeds and questioned why the government is pushing fifth-generation services while basic connectivity still fails millions of users. The debate turned awkward when the parliamentary secretary for IT struggled to explain what 5G actually means.
Sabeen Ghoury, the parliamentary secretary for information technology, told the house that 5G services had been launched in 24 cities, with expansion planned once the network becomes stable there. Her briefing did little to calm the members.
‘Has 4G passed away?’
Presiding Officer Abdul Qadir Patel captured the mood of the house with a question that drew attention: “Has 4G passed away that 5G has been introduced?” Several lawmakers complained about slow internet speeds, and some alleged that connectivity had actually deteriorated since the incumbent government took office.
The session grew more uncomfortable when Ghoury was unable to explain the meaning of 5G when pressed by members. Aseefa Bhutto Zardari stepped in and offered to explain the technology herself. She also raised concerns about her constituency area of Nawabshah, where she said neither 4G nor 5G was working.
Ghoury said the government would extend 5G once it stabilises in the initial cities. She added that security challenges, including unrest and terrorism in certain areas, had also affected 3G and 2G services. Lawmakers called for faster and more reliable connectivity for businesses and other sectors that depend on digital access.
Pakistan 5G rollout: the gap between promise and performance
The exchange highlights a tension that has followed Pakistan’s telecom story for years. On paper, the country is moving up the technology ladder: the PTA has been overhauling telecom rules and pushing competition to bring mobile package prices down. The Digital Nation agenda promises to put government services online for everyone.
But in practice, users in many areas still struggle with basic 4G. Speed tests and consumer complaints tell a consistent story: coverage maps look better than the lived experience. Launching 5G in two dozen cities is a milestone, yet it means little to a user in Nawabshah who cannot hold a 4G signal.
That is the substance behind Patel’s question. Pakistan does not need another generation of technology layered over the same weak foundation; it needs the existing networks to work. The cybersecurity and connectivity work at universities shows the state can build digital capacity when it focuses. The same focus is now being demanded for mobile networks.
What happens next
Ghoury’s commitment was conditional: 5G expands once the first 24 cities are stable. Lawmakers will likely keep pressing for timelines, and for an honest accounting of where 4G still fails. The PTA, which regulates the sector, may find itself answering the same questions in the coming weeks.
For consumers, the immediate hope is simpler than any new generation: consistent speeds on the network they already have.
FAQ
In how many cities has 5G been launched in Pakistan?
According to the parliamentary secretary for IT, 5G has been launched in 24 cities, with expansion planned after the network stabilises there.
Why did lawmakers criticise the 5G rollout?
They complained about slow internet speeds and poor 4G performance, questioning the point of 5G while basic connectivity remains unreliable in many areas.
What did Abdul Qadir Patel ask?
The presiding officer asked, “Has 4G passed away that 5G has been introduced?”, summing up frustration over weak existing networks.
