dge computing constitutes a paradigm in which data acquisition, processing and analysis occur near the point of origin. The data is thus not relayed to a centralised data-processing repository or cloud infrastructure. This approach minimises latency, reduces the bandwidth required for data transmission and enhances the efficiency of data-intensive applications. 5G’s promise of handling extensive data with minimal latency and superior reliability hinges on edge computing. Without processing data near its source, 5G becomes merely a faster network, unable to reach its transformative potential due to bandwidth constraints and latency goals.

The launch of 5G in Pakistan will initiate prospects for economic and social prosperity and provide a solid foundation for safeguarding users in a connected world. One of the preliminary advantages of edge computing is its ability to reduce latency, which is beneficial for firms with massive data sets since it lowers data storage costs and bandwidth needs. Another standout advantage of edge computing is security. Edge computing makes data transference substantially secure against attacks and breaches.

Additionally, with the advent of 5G technology, the addition of edge computing devices enhances the system’s strength and stability, which is vital in dealing with new and complex security challenges with higher speed and connectivity. Real-time monitoring is another amazing benefit of edge computing as it allows businesses to make rapid and reliable decisions, which is crucial in today’s business environment.

For example, in the global medical business, the integration of 5G technology and edge computing can be seen in remote patient monitoring and real-time data processing. A mobile health monitoring system for cardiac rehabilitation has been implemented. In this regard, Pakistan’s healthcare system has faced numerous accessibility, transportation and affordability challenges due to population growth and other factors. This implies that edge computing and intelligence offer a more viable solution, particularly for rural communities. It enables remote observation, analysis and diagnosis of health problems without physical appointments, thereby enriching the quality of care. Notably, edge intelligence is vital in anticipating technological faults in medical devices, thus reducing the cost of maintenance.

As a result, implementing edge computing and intelligence can transform Pakistan’s healthcare system, making it more efficient, accessible and cost-effective. A study titled Real-time Pneumonia Prediction using Pipelined Spark and High-Performance Computing has illustrated that edge computing might be used for real-time pneumonia diagnosis, thus reducing latency and enhancing precision. In 2024, over 250 children in the Punjab died from pneumonia infection. By applying edge computation in healthcare, particularly in underdeveloped areas, Pakistan can improve pneumonia diagnosis, leading to quicker treatment and a higher survivability rate.

One of the preliminary advantages of edge computing is its ability to reduce latency, which is beneficial for firms having massive data sets since it lowers data storage costs and bandwidth needs.

Similarly, the manufacturing industry may adopt edge computing in real-time data processing, predictive maintenance and quality control. This will enable the industry to reduce emissions from plants, improve customer experiences, reinforce the supply chain, reduce downtime and detect issues that could affect manufacturing operations. It will support companies in Pakistan in keeping up to date on plant emissions in real-time throughout the smog season, directly improving air quality and public health.

The most common cloud computing use cases are IaaS, SaaS, hybrid cloud, multi-cloud and virtual machines for software testing and development. Edge computing may be applied to Big Data analytics, cloud gaming, IoT, predictive maintenance and other applications. Unlike cloud computing, edge computing requires a separate system for each node. Depending on the number of these nodes in an organisation, the costs can be much higher than those for cloud services.

Remarkably, the edge computing market in MENA is expected to develop at an outstanding 18.3 per cent CAGR through 2030, driven by 5G deployment, IoT adoption, data localisation and real-time processing. Pakistan’s smart city initiatives have the potential to work on the integration of 5G and edge computing, which can turn traffic management around, relieving congestion and making roads safer. By including edge devices that can process data on-site, the government may be able to minimise carbon emissions while also establishing a sustainable and profitable urban infrastructure.

Edge computing and 5G technology are transforming the digital environment in Pakistan. Pakistan can improve efficiency, safety and sustainability across several industries by using the advantages of edge computing and the upcoming rollout of 5G networks. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications is instrumental in fostering this shift. It is of utmost importance for the MoIT&T to explore integrating the 5G deployment with edge computing technologies. This will help Pakistan remain at the forefront of digital innovation and sustainable development. Embracing new technologies boosts economic growth and creates a future distinguished by increased connectedness, creativity and vitality, underlining a shift towards a more consistent and ecologically sensitive society.

The writer is a researcher at the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies, Lahore. She can be reached at: info@casslhr.com