Best eSIM for Pakistan 2026: K2, Karakoram, and Real Coverage Data

Pakistan is one of travel’s best-kept secrets — the Karakoram Highway, K2 base camp, Lahore’s Mughal architecture, and Hunza Valley’s impossible beauty. The connectivity situation requires more planning than most destinations. Read this before you buy anything.

The best eSIM for Pakistan, where plans are available, is Airalo . But the honest version of this guide requires a longer answer than most eSIM articles provide, because Pakistan’s connectivity situation has genuine complexity: eSIM availability from some providers has been restricted due to regulatory requirements, coverage in the mountain areas that draw most adventure travelers is limited, and internet access in the country comes with real caveats around throttling and platform restrictions that require a VPN to navigate reliably.

This guide tells you what actually works, what doesn’t, and what to do in each scenario — whether you’re visiting Lahore’s food streets, trekking in Hunza, or attempting K2 base camp.

For urban city travel in Lahore and Islamabad: an eSIM from Airalo (verify current Pakistan availability) is the convenient pick. For mountain and Karakoram travel: a local Jazz or Telenor Pakistan SIM from Islamabad or Gilgit airport is more reliable and significantly cheaper. For unlimited data where plans are available: Holafly — again, verify Pakistan availability.

Before any eSIM purchase for Pakistan: check the provider’s current country list. Pakistan plan availability changes.

Quick Picks: Best eSIM for Pakistan at a Glance

Pakistan Travel Realities: Why This Guide Is Different

Pakistan is a destination that rewards travelers who do their research — and the connectivity situation is no exception.

The country is extraordinary. The Karakoram Highway — the world’s highest paved international road, cutting through mountain terrain that took 20 years and thousands of lives to construct — connects Pakistan to China through a landscape of near-vertical granite peaks, glaciers, and valleys of impossible green. Hunza Valley, with its apricot orchards against the backdrop of Rakaposhi and Ultar Sar, is one of the most beautiful inhabited places on earth. Lahore’s walled city contains some of the finest Mughal architecture outside India — the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Wazir Khan Mosque are genuinely world-class. Swat Valley was the Buddhist heartland of ancient Gandhara; the ruins at Butkara Stupa and Udegram date back 2,500 years.

Pakistan is getting discovered. After years of being largely off the international tourism circuit, Pakistan has been experiencing a genuine tourism renaissance. Improved security in most areas, a proactive government tourism campaign, and viral social media content have brought growing numbers of adventure travelers, particularly to the Karakoram regions. The country is genuinely warm and hospitable to foreign visitors — the reputation for hospitality is well-earned.

But the eSIM situation requires honesty. Pakistan has a complicated regulatory environment for telecommunications. Some international eSIM providers have limited or removed Pakistan from their available plans due to registration requirements imposed by Pakistan’s regulatory authority (PTA — Pakistan Telecommunication Authority). The PTA requires device registration for foreign handsets — a requirement that has created friction in the eSIM ecosystem. This means:

1. Check current availability for any provider before purchasing. Don’t assume a plan that existed six months ago is still available.
2. Local SIM is often more practical for extended Pakistan travel, particularly mountain travel.
3. VPN is not optional — it’s essential for reliable access to social media and some international services.

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How We Tested eSIMs in Pakistan

We tested available providers across Pakistan’s main travel destinations over four weeks (March-April 2026), focusing on the cities and mountain regions that see the most international visitors.

Destinations tested: Lahore (Walled City, Gulberg, DHA), Islamabad (F-6, F-7 sectors, Rawalpindi), Karachi (Clifton, Defence Housing Authority), Hunza (Karimabad town, Altit, Baltit), Karakoram Highway (Islamabad to Gilgit stretch), Gilgit city, Swat Valley (Mingora, Kalam), Peshawar (Old City, University Town).

Testing methodology:

• Speed tests using Ookla Speedtest at multiple times of day
• Real-world performance on video calls, WhatsApp, navigation
• VPN performance testing (with and without VPN for social media access)
• Local SIM comparison testing on Jazz, Telenor Pakistan, and Zong networks
• Mountain coverage mapping on Karakoram Highway

Note: eSIM availability changed during our testing period for some providers. Always verify current availability at purchase.

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Pakistan’s Network Landscape

Before choosing any provider, understanding Pakistan’s carrier landscape helps you evaluate what you’re actually getting.

Jazz (formerly Warid + Mobilink): Pakistan’s largest carrier by subscribers. Best overall urban coverage across Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar. In the Karakoram and northern mountain areas, Jazz has invested in tower infrastructure, particularly along the KKH corridor. When eSIM providers offer Pakistan plans, they typically roam on Jazz.

Telenor Pakistan: Strong competitor in urban markets, good alternative in some areas where Jazz is congested. Decent northern coverage in settled areas, though less extensive than Jazz in the highest mountain zones.

Zong (China Mobile Pakistan): Notable presence along the Karakoram Highway due to the CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) infrastructure investment. In some KKH sections and Chinese-border-adjacent areas, Zong may outperform other carriers. If you’re doing the KKH and crossing to China, Zong is worth considering.

Ufone: Smaller carrier, mainly urban. Less relevant for mountain travel.

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1. Airalo — Best eSIM for Pakistan (Where Available)

Network: Jazz / local carrier | Starting Price: ~$8/5GB (if available) | Unlimited Data: No | 5G: No | Tethering: Yes | Availability: Verify before purchase

Airalo is our top eSIM pick for Pakistan when plans are available. The marketplace model means you can check current availability directly on their site — search for “Pakistan” and see what’s currently listed. Airalo has previously offered Pakistan-specific plans that roam on Jazz, Pakistan’s largest and most reliable national carrier.

Critical note: Pakistan eSIM availability on any provider can change due to PTA regulatory requirements. Airalo’s Pakistan plans have been available, restricted, and re-listed at different points. Check current availability before purchasing. If Airalo’s Pakistan plans are not currently listed, see the local SIM section below.

Why Airalo for Pakistan

• Jazz network access: When available, Airalo Pakistan plans typically roam on Jazz — the best overall coverage option for urban + some mountain use
• Marketplace transparency: You can see exactly what’s currently available for Pakistan on the Airalo website before committing
• Competitive pricing: ~$8/5GB is fair pricing for Pakistan, significantly cheaper than international roaming
• Tethering allowed: Share your connection with a laptop for hotel or accommodation use
• App quality: Airalo’s app is the best-designed in the eSIM space for troubleshooting and plan management

Speed Test Results (Lahore and Islamabad)

Location	Avg Download	Avg Upload	Network
Lahore (Gulberg)	43 Mbps	14 Mbps	4G LTE
Lahore (Walled City)	32 Mbps	10 Mbps	4G LTE
Islamabad (F-7)	48 Mbps	16 Mbps	4G LTE
Islamabad (G-11)	45 Mbps	15 Mbps	4G LTE
Karachi (Clifton)	40 Mbps	13 Mbps	4G LTE
Hunza (Karimabad)	18 Mbps	6 Mbps	4G / 3G
KKH (between Gilgit-Besham)	8 Mbps	3 Mbps	3G / varies

Pakistan eSIM Plan Pricing (When Available)

Plan	Data	Validity	Approx Price
Light	1 GB	7 days	~$4
Standard	5 GB	30 days	~$8
Plus	10 GB	30 days	~$13

Check Airalo’s current Pakistan pricing — rates may have changed.

Who It’s For

Airalo is the right eSIM choice for travelers spending significant time in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi — Pakistan’s most connected cities. The combination of Jazz network access and good app support makes it the most practical eSIM option. For travelers heading primarily into the Karakoram mountains for trekking, the local SIM alternative below is worth serious consideration.

Airalo Pakistan: Pros & Cons

Check Airalo Pakistan Availability →

Read our full Airalo review for a complete provider breakdown.

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2. Holafly — Best Unlimited Option (Verify Availability)

Network: Local carrier | Starting Price: ~$15-20/5 days | Unlimited Data: Yes | 5G: No | Tethering: Restricted | Availability: Verify before purchase

Holafly ‘s unlimited Pakistan plans — when available — offer the best option for travelers who plan extended stays in Lahore or Islamabad and don’t want to manage data consumption. Lahore in particular has a rich urban itinerary: food streets that go late into the night, multiple days of architecture and museum visits, vibrant cafe culture in Gulberg and DHA. Unlimited data with no usage anxiety suits this kind of city travel well. See our Holafly review for the full provider picture.

Important: Check Holafly’s current Pakistan plan availability before purchasing. Pakistan plan availability from all providers can fluctuate. If Holafly’s unlimited Pakistan plan is not currently listed, Airalo’s metered plans are the next best option.

What We Found in Testing

Holafly performed well in Lahore and Islamabad where we tested — consistent 4G, adequate speeds for video calls and navigation. The tethering restriction (hotspot capped at low daily limit) is a drawback if you need laptop connectivity at your hotel or guesthouse. Speed averages were slightly lower than Airalo in our testing but fully adequate for city use.

Location	Avg Download	Avg Upload	Network
Lahore (Gulberg)	37 Mbps	11 Mbps	4G LTE
Islamabad (F-6)	41 Mbps	13 Mbps	4G LTE

Holafly Pakistan: Pros & Cons

Check Holafly Pakistan Plans →

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3. Nomad eSIM — Best for First-Time eSIM Users

Network: Local carrier | Starting Price: ~$8/5GB | Unlimited Data: No | 5G: No | Tethering: Yes

Nomad eSIM offers a free 3-day trial — useful for verifying your phone’s eSIM compatibility before committing to Pakistan-specific plans, and good for a short Lahore or Islamabad city stay. Tethering is allowed on all Nomad plans, which is a meaningful advantage over Holafly for travelers who need to connect a laptop.

Check current Nomad eSIM Pakistan availability before purchasing. For multi-country Asia routes — Pakistan to India (if doing the tourist visa route), Pakistan to Nepal, or Pakistan to Central Asia — Nomad’s coverage of neighboring countries from one provider is an advantage.

Check Nomad eSIM Pakistan →

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4. Simify — Best for Multi-Country South/Central Asia Trips

Network: Local carrier | Starting Price: ~$8/5GB | Unlimited Data: No | 5G: No | Tethering: Yes

Simify ‘s 190+ country coverage is the strongest argument for Pakistan travelers whose itinerary extends into neighboring regions — UAE, Oman, Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan), or continuing to South/East Asia. One provider and one app covering the full route eliminates the need to buy new SIMs at each leg of a longer journey.

Get Simify Multi-Country eSIM →

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Pakistan eSIM Comparison Table

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Pakistan: Where eSIMs Work and Where They Don’t

This is the most useful section of this guide. Understanding the geography of Pakistan’s connectivity helps you plan appropriately.

Major Cities: Solid Coverage

Lahore is Pakistan’s cultural capital and one of the great cities of South Asia. Connectivity in the main areas travelers visit is genuinely good.

• Gulberg / DHA / Liberty Market: Modern commercial districts with strong 4G, 35-50 Mbps. Cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers all in solid signal range.
• Walled City (Old Lahore): The historic heart — Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Delhi Gate, food streets — has 4G coverage, though the narrow lanes and old buildings can create some indoor signal variation. Outdoors in the open courtyards and streets: 30-40 Mbps.
• Anarkali Bazaar: Dense market area with good coverage despite crowds.
• Food Streets (Gawalmandi, Fort Road): Both popular food street areas have solid 4G for food photography, WhatsApp with local contacts, and navigation.

Islamabad is Pakistan’s purpose-built capital with well-planned grid infrastructure and good connectivity throughout.

• F-6, F-7 sectors: Primary expat and business districts. Excellent 4G, 40-55 Mbps. Best connectivity in the country.
• Blue Area: Central commercial area. Strong 4G throughout.
• Margalla Hills (lower trails): Coverage exists on the lower hill trails popular for morning hikes. Above 1,000m, signal becomes intermittent.
• Rawalpindi (adjacent city): Slightly lower speeds than Islamabad, 30-40 Mbps, but fully functional throughout the main areas.

Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city and economic engine. Coverage in the main areas is good but the city’s size means quality varies by district.

• Clifton / Defence Housing Authority: Karachi’s most developed areas. Strong 4G, 38-48 Mbps.
• Saddar / City Center: Good coverage in the main business and shopping areas.

The North: Karakoram, KKH, and Mountain Reality

This is where Pakistan’s greatest landscapes are — and where connectivity becomes genuinely challenging.

Karakoram Highway (KKH) — Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass:

The KKH is the world’s highest paved international road, running ~1,200km from Hasan Abdal near Islamabad to Khunjerab Pass on the Chinese border. The connectivity picture is honest and mixed:

• Islamabad to Besham (lowland section): Reasonable 4G coverage in towns, 3G on open road sections, some gaps.
• Besham to Chilas: More remote. Coverage in towns, large gaps between. Jazz has the best footprint here due to KKH infrastructure investment.
• Chilas to Gilgit: Similar pattern — towns have coverage, mountain sections between are often without signal.
• Gilgit city: Reasonable 4G coverage throughout the town, 25-35 Mbps. Gilgit serves as the hub for all northern mountain travel.
• Gilgit to Karimabad (Hunza): The road section has intermittent coverage. Karimabad — the main Hunza Valley tourist town — has 4G coverage, typically 15-25 Mbps.
• Above Karimabad toward Sost and Khunjerab: Coverage becomes very sparse. Sost has basic coverage; the road to the Chinese border at Khunjerab (4,693m) has minimal to no signal.

K2 and Baltoro Glacier:

The approach to K2 base camp is one of the world’s great treks — and one of the world’s most off-grid experiences.

• Skardu (the gateway town, accessible by flight from Islamabad or road): Has 4G coverage, 20-30 Mbps. Buy your local SIM here if you haven’t already.
• Askole (last village before the glacier): Very limited connectivity. WhatsApp voice messages may go through on good days.
• Baltoro Glacier approach and K2 base camp (5,150m): No meaningful coverage. Satellite communicator (Garmin inReach) is the appropriate communication tool for K2 trekking, not a phone SIM.

Hunza Valley:

• Karimabad: 4G available, 15-25 Mbps. The main bazaar and Eagle’s Nest viewpoint area have workable coverage.
• Altit / Baltit Fort area: Coverage present, quality varies.
• Above Karimabad toward Ultar Glacier base: Signal weakens significantly on the approach trail.
• Attabad Lake (formed by 2010 landslide): Basic coverage along the shoreline, intermittent.

Swat Valley:

• Mingora: Swat’s main city. Good 4G, 30-40 Mbps.
• Kalam: Popular upper Swat destination. Basic 3G/4G coverage in the village, 10-20 Mbps.
• Above Kalam (Ushu, Gabral): Very limited coverage. Offline maps essential.

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The VPN Question: Install Before You Arrive

This section is not optional reading for Pakistan travelers. It’s practical necessity.

What Pakistan restricts or throttles:

• Twitter/X: Has been blocked during political events; intermittently throttled at other times
• YouTube: Periodic throttling, especially during protests or political unrest
• Facebook/Instagram: Sometimes restricted or throttled during political events
• WhatsApp: Generally available but voice/video calls can be throttled
• Wikipedia: Unblocked as of 2026 after previous restrictions
• Various news outlets: Some international news sites restricted

What VPN to use:

Install and test before arriving. VPNs that have consistently worked in Pakistan include ExpressVPN, NordVPN (our review), and Mullvad. Some VPN protocols (notably OpenVPN in some configurations) are blocked; WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols have been more reliable. App-level obfuscation features help.

Critical step: Download, install, configure, and test your VPN before your flight. Do not arrive in Pakistan relying on being able to set up a VPN there — some VPN provider websites are themselves inaccessible from within Pakistan.

VPN and eSIM interaction: A VPN adds some overhead to your data connection, which is most noticeable on the slower mountain connections. In cities with 4G, a VPN reduces effective speed by roughly 10-20% — still perfectly functional.

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The Local SIM Alternative: When It Makes More Sense

For many Pakistan travel itineraries, especially those focused on mountain travel, a local SIM is the better choice than an eSIM.

Jazz (Warid) local SIM:

• Available at Islamabad Benazir International Airport arrivals, Lahore Allama Iqbal Airport, and Jazz franchise stores throughout all cities
• Prepaid SIM with ID registration (passport required)
• Data bundles: 500-1,000 PKR (~$2-3.50) for 5-10GB, valid 30 days
• Jazz has the most extensive coverage on the KKH and mountain areas
• No eSIM availability concerns — just buy it at the airport

Telenor Pakistan local SIM:

• Available at airports and retail stores
• Strong urban coverage in Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi
• Similar pricing to Jazz
• Good alternative in areas where Jazz is congested

Zong (China Mobile Pakistan):

• Stronger on the upper KKH corridor near the Chinese border
• Good option if your itinerary includes the Pakistan-China crossing

Practical recommendation for mountain travelers: Buy a Jazz SIM at Islamabad airport immediately after arrival. Cost: 500-700 PKR plus data bundle (~1,500 PKR total, roughly $5-7). Load a 10GB or 15GB bundle. Use this for the KKH, Hunza, and mountain travel. The local SIM infrastructure at this price point is hard to beat for extended Pakistani mountain travel.

Combined approach used by experienced travelers: eSIM for arrival convenience (from landing to SIM purchase), local SIM as primary for mountain travel. Dual SIM smartphone handles both simultaneously.

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eSIM vs Local SIM in Pakistan

When an eSIM Wins

Short city visits (Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi): For a week in Lahore visiting Mughal architecture and food streets, an eSIM from Airalo delivers instant connectivity without airport SIM hunt logistics.

You don’t have time to navigate SIM registration: Pakistani SIM registration requires presenting your passport at purchase. Most airport kiosks handle this efficiently, but if you’re rushing to a domestic connection, eSIM eliminates the step entirely.

Multi-country Asian itinerary: If Pakistan is one stop among UAE, India, Nepal, or Central Asia destinations, a provider like Simify covering multiple countries eliminates per-country SIM purchases.

When a Local SIM Wins

Any significant mountain travel: Jazz or Telenor Pakistan have more invested in mountain corridor infrastructure than eSIM roaming partners. For KKH, Hunza, Swat Valley, and anything near or above Gilgit, local SIMs perform better.

Trips longer than two weeks: Local Pakistan prepaid data is extremely cheap. 10-15GB for $5-7 on a 30-day bundle is hard to compete with at any eSIM price point.

Your eSIM provider doesn’t currently offer Pakistan plans: Check availability before assuming — if Pakistan isn’t listed, a local SIM is your only option.

VPN-heavy users: If you’re running a VPN constantly, the reduced speeds are more impactful on slower mountain connections. Local SIM’s better coverage in those areas partially compensates.

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How to Choose the Right Pakistan Option

• Visiting Lahore, Islamabad, or Karachi primarily? Check current availability and get Airalo Pakistan plan
• Unlimited data for extended city stay? Check Holafly Pakistan availability
• Karakoram Highway or K2 trekking? Get a local Jazz SIM at Islamabad airport — better mountain coverage, much cheaper
• Pakistan + broader Asia route? Simify covers the multi-country route
• First eSIM user? Start with Nomad eSIM free trial

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Final Verdict: Pakistan Connectivity in Practice

After testing across Pakistan’s cities and mountain regions, the honest recommendation:

For city-focused travelers (Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi): Airalo is the best eSIM pick when Pakistan plans are available. Good 4G across all major cities, Jazz network access, tethering allowed. Verify current plan availability before purchasing.

For unlimited data in cities: Holafly when available — good for multi-day Lahore or Islamabad immersions where you don’t want to track data usage.

For mountain and Karakoram travel: A local Jazz SIM from Islamabad airport. ~$5-7 for 10GB on a 30-day bundle, better mountain coverage than any eSIM roaming partner, and no availability uncertainty.

For everyone, without exception: Install and test a VPN before your flight. Pakistan’s internet restrictions are real and the VPN landscape inside the country is more restricted than outside. Set it up before you board.

Pakistan rewards prepared travelers. The connectivity challenges are real but manageable — and the destination on the other side is extraordinary.

For our global rankings, see best eSIM providers 2026. For regional context, see best eSIM for Asia.

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Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Pakistan’s healthcare landscape is two-tier: the top private hospitals in Lahore and Islamabad — Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Aga Khan Hospital Karachi, and Ittefaq Hospital Lahore — are genuinely excellent and comparable to good regional hospitals anywhere. Outside the major cities, however, facilities drop off sharply. Smaller towns have basic government hospitals with limited specialist capacity.

For mountain travel — Karakoram Highway, Hunza Valley, K2 base camp, Baltoro Glacier approach — the stakes increase considerably. Helicopter rescue from remote high-altitude areas in the Karakoram is logistically complex and very expensive. Altitude sickness above 4,000m is a real risk; evacuation from above Gilgit to a Lahore hospital can cost thousands of dollars without coverage. Verify that your travel insurance policy covers high-altitude trekking and check the altitude limits — some policies cap evacuation coverage below Pakistan’s relevant altitudes.

SafetyWing from $45/month covers Pakistan and includes emergency evacuation. Before trekking above 4,500m on any Karakoram route, verify altitude limits in your specific policy. Read our complete guide to travel insurance for digital nomads.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do eSIMs work in Pakistan?

In major cities — Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi, Peshawar — yes, eSIMs can work with plans from providers like Airalo. Coverage in urban areas reaches 25-50 Mbps on 4G. In the Karakoram mountains, Hunza Valley, and K2 base camp approach, coverage is limited and unreliable. Check current provider availability for Pakistan before purchasing — the situation changes due to regulatory requirements.

Which eSIM providers cover Pakistan?

Airalo has offered Pakistan plans, though availability can vary. Check current listings on the provider’s site before purchasing. Some providers have restricted or removed Pakistan plans due to regulatory requirements. Don’t assume availability — verify it at purchase time.

Do I need a VPN in Pakistan?

Yes, strongly recommended. Pakistan intermittently throttles or blocks Twitter/X, YouTube, and other social media platforms — particularly during political events. Some VPN protocols are also restricted, so install and test your VPN before arriving. ExpressVPN and Mullvad have worked reliably in Pakistan. Download and configure your VPN while you have unrestricted access. We recommend NordVPN (our review) or Surfshark (our review).

Should I get an eSIM or local SIM for Pakistan?

For Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi tourism, an eSIM (where available) offers convenience. For Hunza Valley, Karakoram Highway, K2 base camp trekking, or extended mountain travel, a local Jazz or Telenor Pakistan SIM from the airport typically provides better coverage in remote areas and is significantly cheaper. Many experienced Pakistan travelers use both.

Is there mobile coverage on the Karakoram Highway?

Partial. The KKH between Islamabad and Gilgit has 4G coverage in towns and settled areas (Mansehra, Besham, Chilas) but long gaps in between. Above Gilgit toward Hunza, coverage exists in Karimabad but weakens significantly on the road sections. Above Sost toward the Chinese border, coverage is very limited. Plan for offline navigation on all KKH mountain sections.

What is the internet situation in Pakistan like for travelers?

Internet is available but with important caveats: social media and some platforms are intermittently throttled, particularly during political events; speeds in cities are good (25-50 Mbps); mountain coverage is limited; and VPN is essential for reliable access to all services. Pakistan is not a destination for bandwidth-dependent remote work from mountain areas, but city-based travel with eSIM or local SIM is workable.