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Pakistan is set to introduce a new policy allowing mobile users to transfer their eSIMs between devices up to 10 times free of charge, as authorities seek to simplify the use of digital SIM technology and encourage wider adoption.
The announcement was made during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, where members reviewed key issues affecting Pakistan’s telecom sector, including the rollout of 5G services, mobile network quality and SIM card verification procedures.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeezur Rehman told the committee that mobile operators currently follow different eSIM transfer policies, resulting in varying limits and charges. He said the regulator is finalising a uniform policy that will allow consumers to transfer their eSIMs at least 10 times without any cost.
Committee members also raised concerns about increasing consolidation within Pakistan’s telecom industry, warning that mergers between operators could reduce competition and affect consumers through higher prices or fewer choices.
The PTA responded that the telecom sector remains competitive and deregulated, adding that increased market competition is expected to reduce eSIM-related costs over time.
The committee also reviewed progress on Pakistan’s 5G rollout. PTA officials informed lawmakers that 499 5G-enabled sites have already been deployed, with telecom operators expecting visible 5G coverage across major urban areas by the end of the year.
Officials said the transition to 5G would not only provide faster internet speeds but also improve the performance of existing 4G networks by reducing congestion.
According to the PTA, Pakistan currently has around 15.6 million 5G-compatible smartphones, and that figure is expected to increase steadily as more affordable devices enter the market. The committee urged the regulator to work with industry stakeholders to improve access to lower-cost 5G handsets.
Lawmakers also expressed concern over weak mobile coverage on highways, motorways and remote regions. PTA officials said work is continuing with the Universal Service Fund (USF) to eliminate coverage gaps and expand mobile broadband services in underserved areas.
The regulator said it has introduced live monitoring of telecom towers and is also using open-source monitoring tools to improve network performance. National roaming has already been introduced along the Makran Coastal Highway, while similar arrangements for Pakistan’s motorway network are being explored.
Looking ahead, the PTA highlighted Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology as a potential solution for extending internet and mobile connectivity to remote communities where conventional telecom infrastructure is difficult to deploy.
The committee also discussed SIM registration procedures for individuals unable to complete biometric verification. Members were informed that exemptions currently exist in limited cases involving medical certificates or verification through the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA).
Lawmakers directed the PTA to develop alternative verification methods, including retina scanning and facial recognition via mobile applications, to make SIM registration more accessible while maintaining security standards.
The meeting also reviewed issues outside the telecom sector. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) informed the committee that it had addressed concerns regarding the removal of gas meters over alleged leakages and clarified that consumers remain responsible for leaks occurring after gas passes through the meter.
The committee urged OGRA to accelerate the adoption of smart gas metering systems to reduce leakages, improve efficiency and minimise inconvenience for consumers. It also called for administrative improvements within Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and directed OGRA to ensure timely payments to oil marketing companies following recent regulatory reforms.
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