PTA issues 5G security guidelines ahead of planned launch

Pakistan has taken a key step toward the launch of 5G services as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority issued comprehensive 5G security guidelines to ensure the safe deployment and operation of next-generation networks.

According to the PTA, the guidelines aim to protect user data and safeguard national telecommunications infrastructure, and have been developed in line with international standards. The authority said 5G is critical for national security and economic stability, but its cloud-native and virtualised architecture also increases exposure to cyber threats.

The PTA said home network-controlled authentication will be used to prevent roaming fraud and fake network registrations, while network slicing security will ensure strict separation for sectors such as the Internet of Things and public safety.

The authority identified end-user devices and edge computing infrastructure as the most vulnerable points in 5G networks, warning that attacks on the core network could disrupt authentication, session management and nationwide communications. Measures to protect user privacy have therefore been made mandatory.

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Under the zero-trust security model, continuous verification of every user and device will be required. Strong cryptographic standards have also been made compulsory, and steps have been outlined to block illegal and unauthorised networks.

The PTA said the issuance of security guidelines ahead of the launch reflects the government’s preparedness, adding that Pakistan is targeting March 2026 for the nationwide rollout of 5G services.