Basics
- Country Code: +92
- Main Mobile Operators:
- Jazz
- Zong
- Telenor
- Ufone
All four operators offer 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE services. 5G is not yet commercially available as of 2025.
Frequencies
| Provider | 2G (GSM) | 3G (UMTS) | 4G (LTE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jazz | 900, 1800 MHz | 2100 MHz (Band 1) | 900, 1800 MHz (Bands 3, 8) |
| Zong | 900, 1800 MHz | 2100 MHz (Band 1) | 1800, 2100 MHz (Bands 1, 3) |
| Telenor | 900, 1800 MHz | 850, 2100 MHz (Bands 5, 1) | 850, 1800 MHz (Bands 3, 5) |
| Ufone | 900, 1800 MHz | 900, 2100 MHz (Bands 8, 1) | 1800 MHz (Band 3) |
Ensure your device supports these frequencies for optimal connectivity.
📶 Coverage & Speed in Pakistan
A breakdown of the four major mobile network providers in Pakistan, comparing network strength, 4G/LTE availability, and average data speeds for travelers.
🔴 Jazz (Mobilink)
- Network: Jazz 4G
- Coverage: Best nationwide coverage in Pakistan. Strong signals in urban centers, rural areas, and remote regions. Excellent in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Reliable in northern areas like Hunza, Skardu, and Swat.
- Speed: Stable and relatively fast in cities and towns.
- Average 4G Download Speed: ~18–25 Mbps
- Upload Speed: ~7–12 Mbps
- Ideal for: Travelers looking for reliable, widespread coverage across both cities and remote regions.
Pros:
- Widest reach, including mountain regions
- Good balance between speed and reliability
- Well-supported with recharge options and retail presence
Cons:
- Slightly slower than Zong in city speed tests
- Tourist SIM availability may vary by location
🟢 Zong (CMPak)
- Network: Zong 4G
- Coverage: Excellent in cities, industrial zones, and along major roads. Less effective in remote or mountainous regions, but usable in some areas.
- Speed: Fastest 4G speeds among all providers.
- Average 4G Download Speed: ~25–30 Mbps
- Upload Speed: ~10–15 Mbps
- Ideal for: Travelers staying mostly in cities who need high-speed mobile internet.
Pros:
- Best data speeds
- Frequent promotional data bundles
- Good performance in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad
Cons:
- Rural and northern coverage not as strong as Jazz
- May drop to 3G in off-grid areas
🔵 Telenor Pakistan
- Network: Telenor 4G
- Coverage: Balanced nationwide coverage, with a presence in northern areas like Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
- Speed: Slower than Zong and Jazz, but stable in certain regions.
- Average 4G Download Speed: ~10–15 Mbps
- Upload Speed: ~5–10 Mbps
- Ideal for: Tourists traveling to the north or rural towns.
Pros:
- Strong coverage in select remote areas
- Competitive bundle pricing
- Works decently in regions where other networks may fail
Cons:
- Slower speeds in metropolitan areas
- Not suitable for heavy data users
🟠 Ufone
- Network: Ufone 4G (expanding network)
- Coverage: Solid in central urban areas, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. Limited reach in smaller towns and remote provinces.
- Speed: Historically slow, but improving with network upgrades.
- Average 4G Download Speed: ~5–10 Mbps
- Upload Speed: ~3–5 Mbps
- Ideal for: Budget-conscious users staying in cities.
Pros:
- Low-cost data plans
- Good for light internet usage and calls
- Solid customer support in cities
Cons:
- Limited rural and northern coverage
- Unreliable speeds outside of main areas
📊 At a Glance Comparison
| Operator | Coverage | 4G Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jazz | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | All-around use, nationwide travel |
| Zong | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Fast internet in cities |
| Telenor | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Travelers to northern Pakistan |
| Ufone | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Budget users in cities |
Biometric user registration
🧬 Biometric User Registration (BVS)
In Pakistan, biometric verification is mandatory for purchasing and activating any SIM card (including tourist SIMs), under regulations set by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
What to Expect
- Required Document: Valid passport (original, not a copy).
- Process:
- Present your passport at a retail store, official franchise, or airport kiosk.
- Your fingerprints will be scanned using the Biometric Verification System (BVS).
- The SIM card is registered in your name and linked to your identity.
- Activation usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.
Important Notes
- One foreigner can register up to 2 SIMs per passport.
- If you’re visiting multiple cities, consider getting your SIM card at the airport, where the staff is usually more experienced with foreign travelers.
- You cannot buy a SIM without biometric verification, even if someone offers to bypass the system—this is illegal and unsafe.
- eSIMs purchased online do not require biometric verification, but are usually data-only and do not include local calling or SMS.
Verification Tip
To check if your SIM is registered:
- Dial
*8484#and follow the prompts to view registered SIMs under your passport or CNIC (for residents).
Device registration
📱 Device Registration (DIRBS – PTA Approval)
In Pakistan, mobile devices must be registered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to work with local SIM cards for more than a limited time. This is enforced through the Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).
🔍 Do You Need to Register Your Device?
| Scenario | Registration Required? |
|---|---|
| Short visit (less than 60 days) | ❌ No registration needed |
| Using your phone with a tourist SIM | ✅ Allowed for 60 days |
| Staying more than 60 days | ✅ Required |
| Buying a local phone in Pakistan | ✅ Usually already registered |
- You are allowed to use 1 phone with a local SIM for free for up to 60 days from the first day you connect to a Pakistani network (not from your arrival).
- After 60 days, unregistered devices are blocked from using local SIMs.
✅ How to Check Registration Status
- Dial
*#06#on your phone to get your IMEI number. - Go to pta.gov.pk → Click on “Device Registration System”.
- Enter your IMEI to check if the device is:
- ✅ Compliant – You’re good to go.
- ⚠️ Non-compliant – It will stop working with Pakistani SIMs after 60 days.
- ❌ Blocked – It cannot be used at all.
Jazz (Mobilink)
Website: jazz.com.pk
Where to Buy:
- Available at Jazz official stores (called Jazz Centers), franchises, and authorized retailers throughout the country.
- SIM cards can also be purchased at Jazz kiosks in major international airports (Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi).
- Passport is required for registration, as per PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) regulations.
SIM Card Cost:
- SIM card price is usually around PKR 200–300 (~USD 0.70–1.10).
- Some tourist SIMs may cost more but include bundled data and minutes.
Prepaid Packages
Jazz offers a wide variety of prepaid bundles that cater to different needs, including:
1. Jazz Daily Bundles (short-term use)
- Daily Social: PKR 10 (~$0.035) → 10 MB for WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter + 1800 SMS (valid for 1 day)
- Daily Mega: PKR 35 (~$0.13) → 1 GB data (valid for 24 hours)
2. Jazz Weekly Bundles
- WEEKLY SUPER MAX: PKR 520 (~$1.90) → 30 GB data+ 1000 Jazz Mins + 150 Other Network Mins+ 1000 SMS (valid for 7 days)
- Weekly Extreme: PKR 113 (~$0.40) → 30 GB (12am to 9am only)
3. Jazz Monthly Bundles
- Monthly Mega Plus: PKR 635 (~$2.30) → 20 GB (incl. 10 GB for YouTube) + 5000 Jazz mins + 500 other mins
- Monthly Supreme: PKR 1115 (~$4.00) → 30 GB (10 GB YouTube, 10 GB 2 AM–2 PM) + 5000 Jazz mins + 500 other mins
4. Tourist SIM Packages
Jazz also offers dedicated tourist SIMs at airport kiosks, usually bundled with:
- Up to 12 GB of data
- Local minutes and SMS
- Validity: 7 to 30 days
- Price range: PKR 700–2000 depending on the bundle
Ask at the kiosk for the latest tourist SIM promotions.
Data Add-Ons
If you run out of data, Jazz allows you to activate add-ons via USSD code or their mobile app:
| Data | Validity | Price (PKR) | Activation Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 1 Day | 27 PKR | *1174# |
| 5 GB | 7 Days | 120 PKR | *1177# |
| 10 GB | 30 Days | 349 PKR | *11730# |
How to Activate a Jazz SIM
- Present your passport at the store or airport kiosk.
- A biometric scan (fingerprint) is required as per local laws.
- The SIM will be registered in your name and usually activated within minutes.
- Dial
*111#to check your number and*111*2#for balance.
Jazz World App
Highly recommended for managing your SIM:
- Check balance and remaining data
- Activate new bundles
- Recharge using a credit/debit card or scratch card
- Download: Google Play Store | Apple App Store
Zong (CMPak)
Website: zong.com.pk
Ownership: Zong is a subsidiary of China Mobile, and it’s one of the fastest-growing mobile operators in Pakistan.
💳 SIM Card Price
- SIM Card cost: PKR 200–300 (~$0.70–1.00)
- Tourist bundles may include SIM + data + minutes for a single price (see below).
📦 Prepaid Plans
Zong offers flexible bundles tailored to data, voice, or hybrid use.
1. Daily Bundles
- Daily Basic: PKR 23 → 100 MB data (valid 1 day)
- Daily Data Max: PKR 49 → 500 MB + 500 MB (YouTube)
2. Weekly Bundles
- Weekly Mega Data: PKR 299 → 5 GB (valid for 7 days)
- Weekly Premium: PKR 390 → 30 GB (10 GB usable 1 AM–9 AM)
3. Monthly Bundles
- Monthly Premium: PKR 999 → 30 GB + 5000 Zong mins + 400 other mins
- Monthly Supreme: PKR 1499 → 60 GB + 6000 mins + 600 other mins
Zong packages often include separate allocations for apps like YouTube, WhatsApp, and Facebook.
🎒 Zong Tourist SIM
Zong offers dedicated Tourist SIM packages at airports and official centers:
- Includes: Preloaded data (6–20 GB), local call minutes, SMS
- Price:
PKR 1,000–2,000 ($3.50–7.00), depending on bundle size - Validity: Typically 7–30 days
📱 Data Add-Ons
If you run out of data, Zong offers top-ups through USSD or the app:
| Add-on | Price | Data | Validity | Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Add-on | PKR 23 | 100 MB | 1 day | *6464# |
| Monthly Add-on | PKR 249 | 2.5 GB | 30 days | *6464# |
📲 Activation
- Visit a Zong retailer with your passport.
- Provide biometric verification (thumbprint).
- SIM is registered and activated on the spot.
- Dial
*8#to check your Zong number. - Use
*102#to check your data balance.
📲 Zong App (My Zong)
- Manage your account, activate packages, and recharge
- Available on Google Play & App Store
Zong is ideal for travelers who want fast 4G internet in cities and along major travel routes. It may not be the best choice for trekking into isolated mountain valleys, but for digital nomads, vloggers, and data-hungry tourists, it’s one of the best options in Pakistan.
Telenor Pakistan
Website: telenor.com.pk
Ownership: A subsidiary of the Norwegian Telenor Group, Telenor Pakistan is the third-largest mobile network operator in the country. It is known for affordability and wide presence in semi-urban and urban areas.
🛒 Where to Buy
- Airport: Telenor SIMs are not always available at airport kiosks, unlike Jazz or Zong.
- Official Stores and Franchises: Widely available in major cities and towns.
- Requirements: Passport and biometric verification (thumbprint) required for activation, in line with PTA regulations.
💳 SIM Card Price
- Standard SIM cost: Around PKR 200–250 (~$0.70–0.90)
- Tourist-specific SIMs are not widely advertised — travelers may need to manually select suitable prepaid packages.
📦 Prepaid Bundles
Telenor focuses on budget-friendly hybrid and data bundles.
1. Daily Bundles
- Daily Lite: PKR 18 → 50 MB + 50 SMS (valid 1 day)
- Daily Off-Peak Offer: PKR 20 → 1.5 GB (12 AM to 12 PM)
2. Weekly Bundles
- Weekly Ultra: PKR 210 → 4 GB + 1000 on-net mins
- Weekly Social Pack: PKR 75 → 5 GB for WhatsApp/Facebook
3. Monthly Bundles
- Monthly Social Pack: PKR 100 → 10 GB (WhatsApp/FB only)
- Monthly Extreme: PKR 575 → 10 GB + 5000 Telenor mins
- Monthly Mega Plus: PKR 899 → 20 GB + 5000 Telenor mins + 300 other mins
📲 Activation Process
- Go to a Telenor franchise or retail partner.
- Provide your passport for biometric verification.
- SIM is typically activated within 5–10 minutes.
- Dial
*888#to check your number and*444#for package info.
📱 Data Add-Ons
| Add-on | Price | Data | Validity | Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 MB | PKR 50 | 500 MB | 1 day | *345131# |
| 1 GB | PKR 120 | 1 GB | 7 days | *345134# |
📲 Telenor App – My Telenor
A user-friendly app that allows:
- Balance checks
- Package activations
- Top-ups via credit/debit card
- Download from Google Play or App Store
Ufone (PTCL)
Website: ufone.com
Ownership: Ufone is a subsidiary of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), which is partially owned by Etisalat (UAE). Ufone is one of the smaller operators in Pakistan but is known for affordable plans and voice bundles.
🛒 Where to Buy
- Airport: Ufone SIMs are rarely available at airport kiosks.
- Franchise/Service Centers: Available in all major cities and large towns.
- Requirements: Passport + fingerprint scan for biometric registration (mandatory).
💳 SIM Card Cost
- Standard SIM: PKR 200–250 (~$0.70–0.90)
- Tourist SIMs are not officially advertised, but you can customize bundles after purchase.
📦 Prepaid Bundles
Ufone focuses on affordability and voice/data hybrids.
1. Daily Packages
- Daily Light: PKR 17 → 500 MB (WhatsApp, FB, Twitter) + 40 MB general
- Daily Heavy: PKR 25 → 75 MB (general) + 500 MB social
2. Weekly Bundles
- Weekly Internet Plus: PKR 175 → 8 GB (includes 5 GB for YouTube)
- Sab Se Bari Offer: PKR 330 → 40 GB (2 AM – 2 PM) + 5000 Ufone mins
3. Monthly Bundles
- Monthly Light: PKR 390 → 1 GB (general) + 2 GB social
- Monthly Max: PKR 699 → 25 GB (incl. 13 GB from 1 AM – 9 AM) + 5000 Ufone mins
📲 Activation Steps
- Visit a Ufone store or retailer.
- Present your passport and complete biometric verification.
- Activation is usually immediate.
- Dial
*780*3#to check your number or*706#for balance.
📱 Ufone App – My Ufone
- Manage usage, recharge, activate bundles
- Available on Google Play and App Store
🏁 Conclusion:
Overall, Jazz or Zong will suit most tourists best, depending on whether you prioritize coverage (Jazz) or speed (Zong). For affordable usage in populated areas, Telenor is a solid alternative. Ufone, though affordable, is more of a local-use network with limited tourist appeal.