Pakistan marks 200m telecom subscribers: PTA

KARACHI: Pakistan has crossed 200 million telecom subscribers, the country’s telecom regulator said on Thursday, marking a major benchmark in its digital expansion and triggering a nationwide celebration.

In a public statement, the PTA highlighted that the country has also crossed 150 million broadband subscribers and two million fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) users, underscoring significant progress in expanding nationwide digital access.

To mark the occasion, the PTA announced a series of celebratory initiatives. On June 20, all mobile users across the country will receive free 2GB of data and 200 on-net minutes, valid for 24 hours, by dialling *2200#. In addition, 200 locally assembled smartphones will be distributed through a computerised ballot among female SIM owners across Pakistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The PTA will announce winners on its social media accounts.

The PTA also revealed plans to deploy free Wi-Fi hotspots for six months at select Higher Education Commission (HEC)-recognised universities, including women’s universities, aimed at boosting digital empowerment among students. Details and updates for these initiatives will be shared via the PTA’s social media platforms.

The regulator acknowledged the collective contributions of key industry stakeholders including mobile operators Jazz, Zong, Ufone, Telenor, and fixed-line and broadband providers such as PTCL, Cybernet, Wateen, Transworld, and Nayatel.

Reacting to the announcement, Jazz, the country’s largest digital operator, congratulated the PTA and celebrated its own role in driving digital inclusion. With over 73 million mobile phone users, including 53 million 4G subscribers, and a total digital footprint of more than 100 million users, Jazz said it remains committed to expanding connectivity and capability across Pakistan.

“Crossing 200 million subscribers is more than just a number -- it is a powerful symbol of Pakistan’s digital evolution,” said CEO of Jazz Aamir Ibrahim. “We thank the PTA for its support in building a future-ready ecosystem and reaffirm our mission to push the frontier of digital inclusion.”