Government adjusted petrol and diesel rates

Pakistan’s major telecom operators have invested an estimated $178.57 million in the deployment of 5G networks across the country up to June 2026, the Senate has been informed. The investment details were presented in a written reply submitted by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications in response to a question raised by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri. According to the government’s data, Zong emerged as the largest investor in the country’s 5G rollout, committing around $98.9 million by June 2026. Jazz followed with an investment of approximately $59.67 million, while Ufone invested an estimated $20 million during the same period. The figures were based on information provided directly by the respective mobile network operators. No Foreign Investment Target Set for 5G Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima Khawaja told the Senate that the government had not imposed any specific foreign direct investment (FDI) target on telecom companies as part of the country’s 5G rollout policy. She said the Policy Directive for the Spectrum Auction, issued on January 6, 2026, did not include a requirement for operators to attract a particular amount of foreign investment for the deployment of 5G services. The minister clarified that the investment figures presented before the Senate represented data supplied by the operators themselves. Operators Plan Additional 5G Investment Telecom companies are also preparing to increase their investment in 5G infrastructure during fiscal year 2026-27. Jazz has projected an additional investment of approximately $30.33 million, while Zong expects to spend around $39.9 million on further 5G deployment during the year. A specific investment projection for Ufone was not available at this stage. According to the written response, the company’s future investment figures will be shared once its ongoing merger-related activities are completed. The government also noted that Ufone’s previously reported $20 million investment in the 5G rollout was an estimated figure. More Than 1,100 Sites Upgraded to 5G The Senate was also informed that mobile operators had upgraded 1,136 sites to support 5G services across Pakistan by June 2026. Punjab recorded the highest number of upgraded sites, with 587 locations, reflecting the province’s large subscriber base and extensive telecom infrastructure. The regional breakdown showed:  Punjab: 587 5G-upgraded sites  Sindh: 262 sites  Islamabad Capital Territory: 192 sites Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 64 sites Balochistan: 31 sites No 5G-upgraded sites were reported in Gilgit-Baltistan or Azad Jammu and Kashmir in the province-wise figures submitted to the Senate. Pakistan Has 10,499 Fiberized Sites The government’s response also provided an update on the country’s broader telecom infrastructure, particularly the expansion of fiber-optic connectivity. Pakistan had a total of 10,499 fiberized telecom sites, with the overall fiberization rate standing at approximately 17.2 percent. Punjab had the largest number of fiberized sites at 6,153, followed by Sindh with 2,121 and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 953. The figures for other regions were: Islamabad: 521 fiberized sites Balochistan: 417 sites Gilgit-Baltistan: 196 sites Azad Jammu and Kashmir: 138 sites Despite having fewer fiberized locations in absolute numbers, Gilgit-Baltistan recorded the highest fiberization rate at 36.3 percent. Islamabad ranked second with a rate of 30.4 percent. Meanwhile, Azad Jammu and Kashmir recorded the lowest fiberization rate at 9.5 percent. 5G Expansion Linked to Digital Connectivity The continued investment by telecom operators is expected to support the expansion of high-speed mobile connectivity and strengthen Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. The deployment of 5G technology is also being viewed as an important step toward improving mobile broadband capacity, supporting digital businesses and enabling emerging technologies that require faster and more reliable networks. With operators planning further investment during FY2026-27, the scale of Pakistan’s 5G network is expected to expand further. However, the pace of deployment will also depend on infrastructure development, fiberization, spectrum utilization and the completion of ongoing corporate and regulatory processes.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned that Pakistan will not compromise on its water rights, describing every drop of the country’s water as a “red line” and cautioning India against any move that threatens Pakistan’s sovereignty, security or access to water. Addressing a ceremony in Islamabad following the inauguration of a monument commemorating Pakistan’s recent military success, the prime minister said India had demonstrated its disregard for regional peace by unilaterally suspending the Indus Waters Treaty. He said Pakistan desired peace and stability in the region but would not interpret its commitment to peace as a sign of weakness. “Pakistan stands for peace with honour and dignity,” the prime minister said, adding that the country had emerged as a factor of stability in the region. Referring to the military confrontation with India in May 2025, Shehbaz Sharif praised the armed forces for their role and said the country’s response had demonstrated Pakistan’s determination to defend its territorial integrity and national interests. The prime minister specifically commended Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for his leadership, while also highlighting the contributions of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy under their respective chiefs. He said the performance of the armed forces during the conflict had become a lasting part of the country’s history and represented a victory not only for the military but for the entire Pakistani nation. “This victory belongs to the people of Pakistan and its armed forces,” he said, describing the achievement as a source of national pride. Shehbaz Sharif maintained that Pakistan did not seek confrontation with any country. However, he stressed that Islamabad would respond firmly if its sovereignty or security were challenged in the future. He said the events of May 2025 had sent a clear message to the international community about Pakistan’s military capabilities and national resolve. According to the prime minister, the conflict had significantly strengthened Pakistan’s standing and demonstrated that any attempt to undermine the country’s sovereignty would carry serious consequences. Turning specifically to the water dispute, Shehbaz Sharif criticised India’s decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling the move unilateral and unlawful. He warned that Pakistan’s water resources could not be treated as a bargaining tool and said Islamabad would defend its water interests. “Every drop of Pakistan’s water is a red line,” the prime minister declared, warning that if India failed to reconsider its position, Pakistan would respond directly. The prime minister’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, with water rights emerging as a particularly sensitive issue alongside longstanding disputes over security and regional stability. Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan preferred dialogue and peace but would remain prepared to protect its national interests. He said the country’s policy was based on maintaining peace without compromising dignity, sovereignty or security. He further said the lessons of the May 2025 confrontation should not be forgotten and warned that any future miscalculation against Pakistan would invite a stronger response.