Karachi – June 2025: Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Zong 4G have reaffirmed their strategic partnership to expand high-speed internet services to remote and underserved areas of Pakistan. This collaboration is pivotal in bringing digital access to regions that have long remained off the national connectivity grid.
As digital inclusion becomes a national priority under Pakistan’s Digital Transformation Agenda 2030, this joint initiative leverages PTCL’s vast satellite communication infrastructure and Zong 4G’s extensive mobile network to deliver uninterrupted internet services even in the country’s most isolated regions. The partnership now focuses on upgrading to next-generation satellite (VSAT) and fiber-backed infrastructure, ensuring better reliability, speed, and bandwidth capacity than ever before.
Strengthening Pakistan’s Digital Backbone
The official agreement was recently signed by senior representatives from both companies, including Saad Muzaffar Waraich, Chief Technology & Information Officer at PTCL, and Li Wenyu, Chief Financial Officer at Zong 4G. The signing ceremony, held at Zong 4G headquarters in Islamabad, marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s telecommunications development.
Under this agreement, PTCL will deploy advanced VSAT satellite services and fiber-optic connectivity to Zong 4G’s designated mobile towers, allowing the operator to extend its 4G LTE and emerging 5G-ready networks to high-altitude villages, remote desert towns, and difficult terrains where terrestrial networks are limited.
The integration of PTCL’s robust ground infrastructure with Zong 4G’s rapidly growing mobile network will enhance nationwide coverage, reduce latency, and ensure users in remote locations have access to essential digital services including e-learning, telehealth, and mobile banking.
Driving Digital Equity and Innovation
Speaking on the renewed partnership, Saad Muzaffar Waraich emphasized PTCL’s commitment to accelerating Pakistan’s digital evolution. “As the foundational telecom backbone of the country, PTCL is proud to facilitate cutting-edge infrastructure that enables all operators to serve every Pakistani. Our joint efforts with Zong 4G will expand reliable connectivity to underserved communities, helping bridge the digital divide and promote socioeconomic inclusion.”
Zong 4G, now operating over 14,000 4G sites nationwide and preparing to roll out 5G pilot programs in major urban centers, views the partnership as a catalyst for customer-centric innovation. Mannan Shabbir, Executive Director of Corporate Affairs at Zong 4G, stated, “With Pakistan’s digital economy growing at record pace, our collaboration with PTCL will ensure uninterrupted, high-speed internet even in the remotest pockets of the country. This is crucial for building a smart, connected, and inclusive Pakistan.”
Leading the Digital Future of Pakistan
Zong 4G continues to lead as Pakistan’s largest and most reliable 4G operator, with over 15 million active 4G subscribers in 2025 and growing demand from both residential and enterprise users. Its recent recognition by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Consumers Association of Pakistan for delivering the most consistent and widely available 4G network highlights its industry leadership.
PTCL, with its expansive satellite and terrestrial infrastructure, remains a cornerstone in Pakistan’s connectivity journey. Its collaboration with Zong 4G not only extends mobile services but also strengthens the foundation for future digital ecosystems, including IoT applications, smart agriculture, remote health diagnostics, and online education portals in remote locations.
This joint initiative directly aligns with Pakistan’s vision of becoming a regional digital hub and is expected to significantly contribute to economic development, job creation, and increased access to digital tools for millions of Pakistanis.
Conclusion: Expanding Horizons for a Digitally Empowered Pakistan
The PTCL-Zong 4G partnership represents more than just an infrastructure deal—it is a step toward national digital empowerment. As Pakistan continues its journey toward full digital inclusion, such collaborations are key to ensuring no citizen is left behind, regardless of geography.
With robust implementation already underway in multiple provinces including Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Sindh’s interior, the future of high-speed internet in Pakistan is not only urban—it is nationwide.
