ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has introduced a new facility to protect mobile users from unexpected data charges, allowing them to safeguard their balance from extra deductions.
According to an official statement, users often face financial loss when their internet data package expires but usage continues. In such cases, expensive pay-as-you-go (PAYG) rates are automatically applied, quickly consuming the remaining balance.
In a bid to resolve this challenge, the PTA has mandated all mobile network operators to offer a “Balance Save” or PAYG blocker service. With this service, mobile internet will be disabled once a user runs out of data bundles.
A user can activate the service by using a series of codes from their network operator:
Jazz: *275#
Zong: *4004#
Ufone: *6611#
Telenor Pakistan: *342#
A PTA spokesperson said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to protect consumer rights and promote transparency in telecom services, ensuring users are not burdened with unnecessary expenses.
5G era begins in Pakistan: Faster internet now a reality in major cities
Meanwhile, Pakistan has formally entered the era of 5G internet, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) issuing licenses to three major telecommunications companies: Zong, Jazz, and Ufone. The launch of 5G internet services has been initiated in the country in a phased manner.
The PTA has concluded the 5G internet spectrum auction in an open auction system, enabling the telecommunications companies to launch 5G internet services in the country. Initially, the launch of 5G internet services will be initiated in major cities of the country, including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, and major areas of Peshawar.
Addressing the event of issuing the licenses for 5G internet, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that modern technology has the potential to revolutionize the country’s industry, agriculture, and IT sectors. “The auction of 5G internet spectrum has been conducted in a transparent manner. I congratulate the entire team on successfully overcoming all legal hurdles in a smooth manner, and I appreciate the support of Zong and other teams. Our youth can use advanced technology to take Pakistan’s IT sector to new heights.”
Federal Minister for IT Shiza Fatima stated that the program was carefully implemented considering the current environment. “For the first time in Pakistan, 5G services are being introduced successfully, thanks to teamwork under the Prime Minister’s leadership. We are also improving 4G services to enhance the overall internet experience in the coming months,” she said.
PTA Chairman Major General (R) Hafeez-ur-Rehman added that Pakistan’s mobile technology journey began in the early 1990s, with four spectrum auctions held between 2004 and 2025. “The 480 MHz spectrum auction and license issuance were conducted transparently, positioning Pakistan among the leading countries in the region in terms of spectrum capacity,” he noted.
Sources from the telecom sector have confirmed that Zong and Jazz have initiated 5G services right away, whereas Ufone is expected to initiate the same in the next few days. Mobile phone manufacturers are also working to ensure that the software is updated for the users to be able to access 5G technology on their devices.
It is predicted that the introduction of 5G technology is expected to increase internet speeds significantly.
