PTA data show telecom revenues remain on a strong growth path, while investment continues a gradual recovery despite remaining below FY2021-22 levels.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecommunications industry generated Rs837 billion in revenues during the first nine months (July-March) of FY2025-26, underscoring the sector’s continued role as a key contributor to the national economy, according to the latest financial indicators released by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).
The figures indicate that the telecom industry has maintained robust revenue growth despite investment levels remaining below the peak recorded in FY2021-22.
Telecom revenues maintain upward momentum
The telecom sector has posted consistent revenue growth over the past four fiscal years.
Industry revenues increased from Rs717 billion in FY2021-22 to Rs817 billion in FY2022-23, representing growth of nearly 14 per cent.
The upward trajectory continued in FY2023-24, when revenues reached Rs957 billion, before surpassing the Rs1 trillion milestone with Rs1.075 trillion in FY2024-25, the highest annual revenue recorded during the period under review.
During the first nine months of FY2025-26, telecom companies generated Rs837 billion in revenues. Although the data cover only July to March, the performance suggests the industry remains on course for another strong financial year.
Contribution to national economy strengthens
The telecom industry’s contribution to the national exchequer also improved after a temporary decline.
The sector contributed Rs329 billion in FY2021-22, rising to Rs341 billion in FY2022-23 before easing slightly to Rs336 billion in FY2023-24.
Government receipts rebounded significantly in FY2024-25, reaching Rs402 billion, the highest contribution recorded during the five-year period.
For the first nine months of FY2025-26, the industry’s contribution stood at Rs285 billion, reflecting its continued importance as a major source of public revenue.
Investment shows gradual recovery
Despite sustained revenue growth, telecom investment has yet to recover to the levels seen in FY2021-22.
Investment peaked at $1.657 billion in FY2021-22, before falling sharply to $770 million in FY2022-23, a decline of more than 53 per cent.
Capital investment remained broadly stable at $766 million in FY2023-24 before improving modestly to $838 million in FY2024-25.
During July-March FY2025-26, telecom operators invested $567 million in network infrastructure and service expansion. The final investment figure for the fiscal year will determine whether the sector’s recovery in capital expenditure continues.
Digital infrastructure remains a priority
The latest PTA data highlight the telecommunications industry’s expanding role in Pakistan’s economic development through growing revenues, sizeable fiscal contributions and continued investment in digital infrastructure.
Industry experts say sustained investment in broadband networks, fibre connectivity and next-generation technologies will be essential to accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation and meeting rising consumer demand for mobile and internet services.
The figures also demonstrate the resilience of the telecom sector, with operators continuing to deliver strong financial performance and make significant contributions to government revenues despite broader economic challenges.