Jazz, Zong, Ufone and Telenor eSIM prices — and what works on a non-PTA phone

First: there are two kinds of eSIM

In Pakistan "eSIM" is used for two quite different things, and buying the wrong one wastes both money and a trip to a franchise.

• An operator eSIM — from Jazz, Zong, Ufone or Telenor. It is your ordinary SIM without the plastic: a Pakistani number, calls, SMS and data. You get it at a franchise with a fingerprint check.
• A roaming data eSIM — like eJurs. Internet only, no number. Bought online, the QR arrives on WhatsApp, and it needs no PTA registration.

If your phone is PTA-approved, an operator eSIM is usually the better choice. If it is not, read the condition below first.

Each operator's eSIM — price and process

• Jazz — eSIM
• Zong — eSIM price
• Zong — eSIM registration and activation
• Ufone — eSIM

PTA's new eSIM policy — a Rs. 1,500 cap and 10 free transfers

According to reports, PTA has capped eSIM charges after consulting the mobile operators: a new eSIM, or converting an existing SIM to eSIM, now costs at most Rs. 1,500. It took effect in mid-August 2026, which is why all three operators in the table above sit at Rs. 1,500.

The second change is for people switching phones: an eSIM can be moved from one handset to another free of charge up to 10 times. Before, every move meant a trip to a franchise and a fee.

One thing the policy does not change is the non-PTA problem. Cheaper eSIMs did not change the DIRBS rules — see below.

• Business Recorder — PTA announces new eSIM pricing policy
• ProPakistani — PTA announces new rates and rules for eSIMs

Jazz eSIM

According to Jazz's website the eSIM fee is Rs. 1,500, on top of standard number charges. You visit a Jazz Experience Center, franchise or eligible retailer for a fingerprint check, then get a QR to scan in your phone's settings.

You can take a new number on eSIM or convert your existing Jazz SIM — the number stays the same.

Zong eSIM

Zong's own price page lists the eSIM at Rs. 1,500 at its Customer Service Centres. It comes with a new number (Book Your Number) or as a replacement for an existing Zong SIM. After the fingerprint check the profile is linked to the number and you are handed a voucher with the QR.

Ufone and Telenor eSIM

Ufone's eSIM page says Rs. 1,500 for new and converted numbers alike — but the FAQ on the same site says Rs. 2,000. PTA's cap since August 2026 is Rs. 1,500, so the Rs. 2,000 line looks out of date — ask before you go all the same. Ufone's self-service booths also issue eSIMs.

Telenor and Ufone merged into one company, PTML, in July 2026. We could not confirm Telenor's eSIM price from its website, so we give no figure here — ask at a franchise.

Onic, Ufone's digital brand, can no longer issue new SIMs or eSIMs following PTA's order.

• The Onic shutdown, explained

The condition on every operator's own page

Jazz, Zong and Ufone all carry the same instruction on their eSIM pages: register both of the phone's IMEIs to avoid a DIRBS block. The meaning is plain — an operator eSIM needs a phone that is in order with PTA.

In a non-PTA phone an operator eSIM behaves exactly like a plastic SIM: sixty days, then the handset is blocked on local networks. Being an eSIM does not change the PTA rules.

DIRBS does not apply to a roaming data eSIM, because the phone never becomes a Pakistani operator's customer. eJurs data arrives on Jazz's network as roaming, which is why it works on non-PTA phones. It has no number, calls or SMS.

• Non-PTA phone after 60 days — three options

The short answer

PTA-approved phone and you want a Pakistani number — get an operator eSIM from whichever network you prefer. Around Rs. 1,500 and one trip to a franchise.

Non-PTA phone and you are not paying the tax — skip the operator eSIM, it will be blocked after sixty days too. Use a data eSIM for internet and keep your number in your old PTA-approved phone.

Visiting from abroad — look at PTA's free 120-day registration as well.

• PTA's free 120-day registration

How much is a Jazz eSIM?

Rs. 1,500 on Jazz's website, plus standard number charges (23 September 2026). You get it at a franchise or Experience Center with a fingerprint check.

How much is a Zong eSIM?

Rs. 1,500 on Zong's website, at a Customer Service Centre with a fingerprint check (23 September 2026).

Can I get a Jazz or Zong eSIM online?

No. The fingerprint check means a visit to a franchise or service centre. Only a roaming data eSIM can be bought entirely online.

Will a Jazz or Zong eSIM work on a non-PTA phone?

Only for sixty days. DIRBS applies to operator eSIMs too. For internet on a non-PTA phone, a roaming data eSIM works, without a number.

What is PTA's eSIM fee cap?

According to reports, Rs. 1,500 at most — for a new eSIM and for converting a SIM to eSIM alike. It took effect in mid-August 2026.

Does moving an eSIM to a new phone cost money?

Under PTA's new policy the first 10 transfers are free. This applies to operator eSIMs — Jazz, Zong, Ufone.

Can I still get an Onic eSIM?

No. In September 2026 PTA ordered Onic to stop new sales and SIM and eSIM issuance.

Is eJurs a Jazz eSIM?

No. eJurs does not sell Jazz's or any Pakistani operator's SIM. It is a roaming data eSIM whose data arrives on Jazz's network as roaming.