The eSIM price in Pakistan could soon drop by half. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is actively working with all major mobile network operators to bring the current eSIM activation fee down from Rs. 2,000 to somewhere between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 1,500. PTA Chairman Major General (Retired) Hafeez Ur Rehman shared this update while briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat in July 2026.
Why PTA Wants to Lower the eSIM Price in Pakistan
The goal is simple: make eSIM technology accessible to more Pakistanis. Right now, the Rs. 2,000 fee puts off a large number of users who might otherwise switch from a physical SIM. PTA believes that once more people try eSIMs, demand will grow on its own, which should push prices down further over time.
There is also a bigger picture here. PTA has warned that high costs on mobile technology slow down 5G adoption. The regulator told the committee that heavy taxes on smartphones create real barriers to the wider use of 5G services across the country. Cutting the eSIM fee is one part of a broader push to make Pakistan’s mobile ecosystem more competitive.
Pakistan has already launched 5G services at 449 sites across 22 cities. But 5G only works on compatible devices, and many of those devices use eSIM technology. Cheaper eSIM activation directly supports faster 5G uptake.
What Is an eSIM and How Does It Work
An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card built inside your phone. Think of it as a virtual version of the plastic SIM card you have used for years. The ‘e’ stands for embedded, meaning the SIM technology is already built inside your phone’s hardware. You do not need a physical card slot. Instead, you scan a QR code or use an app to activate your mobile number.
eSIM technology is fully functional and widely available in Pakistan. Since the first rollouts in 2019, the infrastructure has matured significantly, moving from a luxury feature to a standard offering for tech-savvy users.
As of 2026, the ecosystem has expanded beyond just flagship phones to include many mid-range devices, and the network towers across Pakistan’s major cities are fully optimized to handle the digital handshakes required for eSIM activation.
In Pakistan, to activate an eSIM, you must provide your thumbprint (biometrics) at a franchise, a designated kiosk, or through an app-based verification system. This ensures the SIM is registered to your CNIC and prevents unauthorized usage.
Which Networks Support eSIM in Pakistan
All leading mobile network operators in Pakistan offer eSIM services. Here is a quick look at the main ones:
- Jazz, As the pioneer of eSIM in Pakistan, Jazz offers a very stable digital experience and was the first to ensure that both prepaid and postpaid customers could make the switch.
- Zong, Known for its strong data performance, Zong provides eSIM for all users with a straightforward QR activation process through their service centers and apps.
- Telenor, Offers eSIM services that are often targeted at corporate clients and high-end users who require multiple lines on a single device.
- Onic, Onic has made eSIM the core of its experience, focusing on a seamless, app-based journey where you can go from ordering to activating without ever leaving your couch.
If you are a Zong user wondering about your data, you can check remaining MBs on your Zong SIM using the step-by-step guide on our site.
Local Phone Manufacturing and the Tax Question
PTA also shared important context around phone taxes. The regulator clarified that it does not impose taxes on mobile phones. That responsibility belongs to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). PTA’s role is network regulation, not taxation policy.
The PTA chairman informed the committee that 37 companies had been licensed to manufacture mobile phones in Pakistan and around 26 million handsets were now being assembled locally, while only about 8% of mobile phones were being imported. Devices from Samsung and Apple are largely imported and subject to applicable duties.
This is worth noting for consumers. Effective July 1, 2026, taxes were reduced on mid-range phones in the $100 to $200 bracket and high-end phones above $500. But broader tax cuts on smartphones remain a separate, ongoing debate between parliament and the FBR.
What This Means for Everyday Users
If PTA’s talks with operators succeed, getting an eSIM in Pakistan could become much more affordable. A drop from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 1,000 is a meaningful saving, especially for students and first-time smartphone users on tighter budgets.
Beyond the cost, eSIMs also offer practical advantages. Many iPhones in Pakistan only have one physical SIM slot. Using an eSIM allows you to run two numbers on one device, for example one network for data and another for calls. You also do not risk losing or damaging a physical card.
The PTA’s move fits with a wider digital push across Pakistan. Broadband usage has expanded rapidly, with 97% of Pakistanis now using broadband internet, while average monthly internet spending stood at Rs. 285 per user. Cheaper eSIMs could bring more users into the formal digital network, something the regulator clearly wants to encourage.
For those tracking the 5G side of things, this also connects to the broader device picture. Pakistan previously operated on just 274 MHz of spectrum, while an additional 480 MHz was auctioned earlier this year, paving the way for wider 5G deployment. Cheaper eSIM activation, paired with more spectrum and more 5G sites, gives Pakistan a clearer path toward meaningful next-generation mobile coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current eSIM price in Pakistan?
The current eSIM activation fee charged by mobile operators in Pakistan is Rs. 2,000. PTA is working to bring this down to between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 1,500 through ongoing discussions with telecom companies.
Which phones support eSIM in Pakistan?
Most flagship and high-end mid-range devices released from 2019 onwards support eSIM. For Apple, this includes every model from the iPhone 11 up to the latest iPhone 17. For Samsung, it covers the Galaxy S20 through the S26 series, all Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip models, and select A-series models.
Does PTA control mobile phone taxes in Pakistan?
No. PTA has clarified that it does not set or impose taxes on mobile phones. That is the responsibility of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). PTA focuses on regulating telecom networks and services, including eSIM activation rules.
Will cheaper eSIMs help Pakistan’s 5G rollout?
Yes, indirectly. Most 5G-capable devices already support eSIM. Lower activation costs mean more users can affordably adopt eSIM-enabled 5G phones. PTA itself has warned that high mobile costs are a barrier to 5G adoption, which is why the regulator is pushing for this fee cut alongside the country’s ongoing 5G expansion at PTA’s official network of sites across 22 Pakistani cities.
