Capital city in Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Internet in Islamabad: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Islamabad?
Median fixed broadband in Pakistan is 18 Mbps and mobile is 32 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Good wifi in F-6 and F-7 cafés and coworking spaces; the best-connected city in Pakistan.
Getting online in Islamabad
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Fibre from Nayatel and PTCL is widespread; about PKR 3,500–8,000 a month. |
| Cafés and coworking | Good wifi in F-6 and F-7 cafés and coworking spaces; the best-connected city in Pakistan. |
| Outages | Mobile data cut during protests and some religious days |
| Tourist SIM | Buy at operator franchises with your passport and a fingerprint check. Phones used with a local SIM need PTA registration for longer stays. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | Jazz, Zong, Ufone |
| Monthly data plan | Rs1,000–2,500 ($3.6–9.0) |
| Blocked services | X was restored in May 2025; Bluesky and adult sites stay blocked. Mobile data is often suspended during protests and Muharram. |
Coworking spaces in Islamabad
Spaces we checked are open in 2026. Prices change; confirm on their sites.
| Space | Area | Day pass |
|---|---|---|
| Daftarkhwan | Blue Area and other Islamabad locations | — |
Internet speeds in South Asia
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
| Country | Fixed | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Nepal | 89 Mbps | — |
| Bangladesh | 71 Mbps | 39 Mbps |
| India | 64 Mbps | 128 Mbps |
| Sri Lanka | 37 Mbps | 59 Mbps |
| Pakistan | 18 Mbps | 32 Mbps |
| Afghanistan | 6 Mbps | 19 Mbps |
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Islamabad?
Median fixed broadband in Pakistan is 18 Mbps and mobile is 32 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Good wifi in F-6 and F-7 cafés and coworking spaces; the best-connected city in Pakistan.
Which SIM card should I get in Islamabad?
Buy at operator franchises with your passport and a fingerprint check. Phones used with a local SIM need PTA registration for longer stays.
Can I use an eSIM in Pakistan?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
Are there coworking spaces in Islamabad?
Yes: Daftarkhwan.
More about Islamabad
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Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: Pakistan
- Jazz
- Zong
- Ufone
- Pakistan Online Visa System (NADRA)
- Islamabad International Airport (CAA)
- Shifa International Hospital
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.