Pakistan’s burgeoning mobile industry is gearing up for the anticipated launch of 5G services by mid-2026. Local handset manufacturers are enhancing their capabilities in both hardware and software to align with next-generation technologies.
Zeeshan Mianoor, CEO of Inovi Telecom, highlighted the significant advancements in local assembly and manufacturing. He emphasized that 5G readiness is a collective responsibility across the ecosystem, stressing the importance of timely spectrum allocation, phased network rollout, and consumer affordability.
Many smartphones currently assembled or sold in Pakistan are equipped to support key 5G frequency bands, primarily in the mid- to high-price segment, starting at approximately Rs75,000. Demand for 5G-compatible handsets is expected to grow gradually, with early adoption likely in major urban centers such as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
Mianoor clarified that enabling 5G requires specific hardware, including 5G-capable chipsets and antennas, and cannot be achieved through software updates alone. The industry is poised for growth, contingent on strategic advancements in network infrastructure.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 5th, 2026
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