The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed that the nation is preparing to enter a new era of connectivity with the upcoming rollout of 5G services, soon to be followed by the launch of satellite internet. PTA Chairman Major General (Retd) Hafeez ur Rehman made the announcement during a cybersecurity workshop and awards ceremony, stressing the importance of adopting emerging technologies while ensuring strong safeguards for public trust, data privacy, and national security.
Preparing for the 5G Revolution
Addressing participants at the event, the PTA chief revealed that the authority is in the final stages of making 5G a reality in Pakistan. Highlighting global advancements, he noted that while Pakistan prepares for 5G, China has already begun discussions on the development of 6G technology.
He cautioned, however, that technological progress must go hand-in-hand with robust cybersecurity frameworks. “Cybersecurity is the backbone of 5G,” he said, adding that without adequate measures, the benefits of the technology could be overshadowed by security risks.
The chairman also pointed out the double-edged nature of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI holds immense potential in sectors ranging from healthcare to governance, it is also being exploited for malicious purposes such as creating deepfake audio and video content. Preventing such misuse, particularly in cases of financial fraud, remains a key challenge for regulators.
Satellite Internet Next on the Agenda
In addition to 5G, the PTA chief confirmed that Pakistan is preparing for the arrival of satellite-based internet services. He announced that the regulatory framework for the Pakistan Satellite Internet Regulatory Body (PSARB) has been completed, paving the way for satellite internet operators to enter the market.
This development promises to bring high-speed internet access to even the most remote parts of the country, bridging the digital divide and opening new opportunities for education, healthcare, and commerce in underserved areas.
The chairman stressed that alongside these advancements, the authority is committed to ensuring data sovereignty, protecting citizens’ privacy, and promoting secure internet usage. “We must assure the nation that we are the protectors of your privacy and data,” he affirmed.
Strengthening Cyber Defenses
The workshop also featured remarks from PTA Director General of Cyber Vigilance, Dr. Mukaram Khan, who highlighted the country’s growing resilience against cyber threats. He revealed that Pakistan has successfully defended against multiple cyber warfare attempts from India, with no significant attacks recorded in the telecom sector to date.
Dr. Khan praised the sector’s improved cybersecurity readiness, noting that Pakistan’s telecom industry has achieved an impressive 8.8 out of 10 score in cybersecurity performance. This progress, he said, reflects the collaborative efforts of the PTA and industry stakeholders to protect critical infrastructure.
Ongoing Vigilance and Audits
To maintain these high standards, the PTA conducts regular third-party cybersecurity audits of all telecom operators in the country. These audits are designed to identify and address potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
The director general also assured that the authority remains proactive in monitoring cyber threats, adapting strategies to counter new and evolving attack methods. “The landscape of cybersecurity is always changing, and our readiness must change with it,” he remarked.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming launch of 5G and satellite internet marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey. While these technologies promise faster speeds, lower latency, and broader connectivity, they also demand a parallel commitment to cybersecurity, data privacy, and public awareness.
With strong regulatory oversight, Pakistan is positioning itself not only to catch up with global telecom trends but also to future-proof its digital ecosystem against emerging threats. As the PTA moves forward with its plans, citizens can expect a new era of internet accessibility — one where cutting-edge technology is matched with robust protections for national and individual security.
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