Mobile operators in Pakistan increased tariffs by between 12 percent and 22 percent over the last 12 months, from June 2025 to June 2026, according to a written reply by the Minister In-charge of the Cabinet Division in the Senate.
The reply was submitted in response to a question raised by Senator Ms. Sehar Kamran regarding frequent increases in mobile package prices by telecom companies.
The written reply stated that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is cognizant of tariff changes made by mobile operators, but there is no evidence of 10 to 20 percent monthly increases by the companies. An analysis of the top ten subscriber-wise packages of Jazz, Telenor, Zong and Ufone showed that average tariffs increased by 12 to 22 percent during the 12-month period, translating into a monthly increase of approximately 1 to 2 percent.
PTA regulates the tariffs of Jazz as a Significant Market Power (SMP) operator, while Ufone and Telenor are regulated pursuant to the merger order dated November 30, 2025. Zong, being a non-SMP operator, may revise its tariffs according to its commercial decisions. The PTA also has powers to intervene where tariffs adversely affect consumer interests under the Mobile Tariff Regulations, 2025.
The Minister In-charge of the Cabinet Division stated that PTA is mandated under the law to protect consumer interests while ensuring a reasonable return on investments made by telecom operators. The regulator regularly approves tariffs of SMP operator Jazz while taking into consideration consumer interests, inflation, prevailing economic conditions and market competition.
The written reply further stated that PTA conducts anonymous billing verification exercises to ensure consumers are charged according to approved rates. Consumers can lodge complaints regarding tariff or charging disparities through PTA’s Complaint Management System, CMS application and helpline, after which the authority takes up the matter with the relevant operator for redressal under the applicable legal framework.
