What is an eSIM? And what is the difference between a physical SIM and a SIM card?
eSIM is an “Embedded SIM” that is stored inside the phone and cannot be replaced externally. The setup of eSIM is more advanced than that of a physical SIM.
This technology is directly linked to the telecom network through the SIM data base user data is secure and traceable.
Physical SIMs need to be manually inserted and removed, while eSIM is activated by just a QR code. Its use is beneficial for people who travel frequently or maintain multiple numbers.
How to activate eSIM in Pakistan
You have to follow the sample process in order to active the eSIM on your mobile phone in Pakistan 2025, if you want to active the eSIM then you must have you CNIC and SIM network that you want to emended
Here is sample process to active eSIM on your phone
- Step 1: Visit the services telecom provider center i.e. Jazz, Zong, Telenor, Ufone
- Step 2: Provide CNIC and undergo biometric to active your eSIM
- Step 3: Connect your phone with internet to receive the QR code
- Step 4: Open your phone sitting and find ‘add cellular plan’ option
- Step 5: Scan the QR code on your phone that you receive to active the eSIM
- Step 6: restart your phone and your eSIM profile show in your phone
By following this procedure you can successfully active the eSIM in your phone and in case of lost your QR code then you can get another QR code from your services provider.
You can use multiple profile of eSIM in modern and last cell phone but in old phone version you can only one time activate eSIM.
eSIM Availability in Pakistan: Which Networks Are Supporting It?
By 2025, Jazz and Zong have rolled out eSIM services, while Ufone and Telenor are in the pilot phase.
The SIM owner detail process is more streamlined with eSIMs. Your CNIC and biometric verification is recorded in a central database reducing fraud and duplicate SIM issues.
Jazz's activation fee is Rs. 500, but Zong is offering free setup during trials. Coverage is better in urban cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad.
Travel Benefits: eSIM vs Physical SIM for Pakistani Travelers
No SIM Swaps: Connect Instantly at Airports
With eSIM, you get instantly connected to the local network at the airport itself. No need to search for a SIM card shop or open a slot in case of SIM swap fraud In Pakistan.
Using Local Data Plans Abroad Without Removing Home SIM
Dual SIM profiles enable you to keep your Pakistani SIM active and use a local data plan abroad especially helpful when you are visiting Saudi, UK or US.
Cost Comparison
Roaming is costly, but eSIM’s live tracker monitors usage. Detects and switches between local plans and promotional offers the cost is quite low.
Security Face-Off: Which SIM is Safer in Pakistan?
- eSIM is embedded, so if the phone is stolen, it is impossible to remove the SIM or to get SIM information. Find My Device and remote lock features become more effective.
- SIM swap fraud happens in physical SIMs where the attacker duplicates the user's number. With eSIM, the sin information is tamper-proof multiple authentication layers and immediate alerts are received.
- PTA enforces biometric verification for both SIMs, but eSIM registration is more centralized and quick, the risk of data breach becomes considerably lower.
Cost & Practicality: Which SIM is cheaper?
Price Breakdown: eSIM vs Physical SIM
- eSIM setup costs up to Rs. 500 (Jazz), while physical SIM is available for Rs. 100–200.
- Long-term benefits include saving roaming costs and the flexibility of dual profiles, making eSIM cost-effective.
Dual SIM Flexibility
- By activating both physical and eSIM in one phone, you can keep your personal and work life separate.
- This feature is ideal for businessmen and freelancers—no extra phone, no extra headache.
Network Switching: Easier with eSIM?
- Pakistani carriers do not yet support full network switching, but Jazz and Zong are gradually expanding.
- In smartphones, selecting a preferred network is becoming simpler through eSIM settings.
While physical SIM is still useful in Pakistan 2025
- Not every phone is eSIM compatible. Budget Android devices and older models do not support eSIM.
- Physical SIM is still an accessible and reliable choice for middle-income users.
- It is easy to insert a physical SIM into a new phone. Transferring an eSIM to a new device requires visiting a network outlet or going through a QR code regeneration process.
- eSIM signals can still be unstable in remote areas—physical SIMs have better reliability.
- Network towers are optimized for physical SIMs, so it is a better option for rural users.
Which Users should choose eSIM in Pakistan?
eSIM is best for users who travel, use multiple numbers, or want fast switching.
eSIM is a modern upgrade for tech-savvy people, but users of older devices and in remote areas should still rely on the physical SIM.
In the future, when more devices and networks become eSIM compatible, it could become Pakistan's standard SIM.
FAQs
Does my old device support eSIM?
Not every device is eSIM compatible. Only the latest smartphones—like iPhone 11 onwards, Pixel 4+, and some high-end Samsung models—support eSIM. Budget Android phones don’t have this feature yet.
How long does it take to activate eSIM?
After visiting a Jazz or Zong outlet, you get a QR code which is scanned in your phone. The whole process takes 10-15 minutes and your SIM owner details are instantly updated in PTA’s system.
Can I use both eSIM and physical SIM in the same phone?
Yes! If your device supports dual SIM (physical + eSIM), you can easily have both profiles—one for work and one for personal use. No extra phone needed.
Does eSIM protect if the phone gets stolen?
Definitely! eSIM is not physically removable, so an attacker cannot remove it. You can keep your personal information secure by using remote lock and erase options.
Which SIM works better in rural areas?
For now, physical SIM is more reliable in rural areas. Live tracker and eSIM services are currently limited in remote regions. Therefore, if you are outside the urban area, the signal of physical SIM will be more stable