PTA announces free data, minutes as telecom subscribers surpass 200 million in Pakistan

The number of telecom subscribers in Pakistan has surpassed 200 million, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announced on Thursday, calling it a “historic milestone” and a testament to the country's accelerated digital growth.

“The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority proudly announces a historic milestone—crossing 200 million telecom subscribers nationwide," the regulator said.

 "With 150 million broadband and over 2 million Fiber To The Home (FTTH) subscribers. This achievement reflects Pakistan’s accelerated digital growth and PTA’s commitment to inclusive connectivity.”

To commemorate the milestone, the PTA, in collaboration with mobile network operators (Jazz, Telenor, Ufone, Zong, and SCO), will offer all mobile users 2GB of free data and 200 on-net minutes valid for 24 hours on June 20, 2025.

“Subscribers can avail this offer by dialing short code 2200# (All Mobile Operators),” the statement added.

To promote digital inclusion, particularly among female students, the PTA—partnering with PTCL, Transworld, Nayatel, Cybernet, and Wateen—is rolling out free Wi-Fi hotspots for a six-month period at selected universities recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), including women-only institutions.

The initiative aims to enhance students’ access to digital tools and learning resources, the authority said in a statement.

Additionally, mobile phone manufacturers have donated 200 locally produced smartphones, which will be distributed to female SIM holders through a computerized ballot across Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the PTA added.