Pakistan Mobile Users Face Up To 50% Price Hikes

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Mobile users across Pakistan are facing significant price hikes, as cellular operators have increased the cost of internet packages by as much as 50% during the current financial year. What began as minor adjustments has escalated into a substantial surge, leaving consumers frustrated amid rising living costs.

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication confirmed the increases, clarifying that no plan has surged by 150%, contrary to viral claims. Gradual hikes have ranged from around 20% to 50%, with popular packages now priced as follows: Rs1,500 rising to Rs1,799 (approx. 20%) and Rs999 rising to Rs1,499 (50%).

Winter Surge in Multan Causes Spike in Pediatric Pneumonia

Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja attributed the steep increases to macroeconomic pressures impacting the telecom sector. Over the past three years, Pakistan has experienced a 158% rise in fuel prices, a 77% jump in inflation, a 44% depreciation of the rupee against the US dollar, and an increase in the policy interest rate from 7% to 22%, all of which have raised operating costs for telecom companies.

The ministry further noted that despite these challenges, telecom revenue growth has averaged only 9% per year over the last five years, while inflation has averaged 17%, meaning the sector is losing value in real terms.