Pakistan Begins 5G Spectrum Auction as Government Pushes Digital Economy Agenda
By Tanveer Ahmed :
Pakistan has formally launched its long-awaited 5G spectrum auction in Islamabad, with senior government officials describing the move as a major step towards strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb praised members of the spectrum committee and credited IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja for ensuring policy continuity that enabled the auction to move forward despite changes in government.
Mr Aurangzeb said digital development should be viewed as a tool for broader economic growth rather than an objective in itself.
“Digital is not an end in itself it is a means to an end,” he said, adding that improved connectivity would support job creation and allow the private sector to play a stronger role in driving economic activity.
He said greater spectrum availability would also support emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and Web 3.0 as Pakistan transitions towards a more digital economy.
The finance minister also linked the development to the government’s recent austerity measures announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, noting that stronger digital connectivity would help the country adapt to remote working and online education during periods of crisis.
“With better connectivity, the country can move seamlessly into online education and work-from-home arrangements,” he said, referring to the ongoing global oil crisis.
‘Important moment for Pakistan’
IT Minister Ms Khawaja described the auction as one of the most significant milestones in Pakistan’s technology sector.
She said the country had last seen a major telecom breakthrough during the tenure of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, when 3G and 4G services were introduced. Since then, however, limited spectrum availability had contributed to connectivity challenges.
Ms Khawaja said the new auction would not only pave the way for the introduction of 5G services but also improve the quality of existing 4G networks.
“The internet today forms the foundation of almost every aspect of life — from personal communication to agriculture, industry and even national security,” she said.
She also highlighted Pakistan’s comparatively limited spectrum resources, noting that the country currently operates with around 274 megahertz of spectrum significantly less than Bangladesh, which has roughly 600 megahertz despite a smaller population.
Pakistan has relied on the same spectrum allocation since 1997, she added.
Faster internet expected within months
According to the IT minister, even a successful base auction could double the country’s available spectrum capacity.
She said consumers should begin to see noticeable improvements in 4G services within four to five months of the auction.
Plans are also underway to introduce 5G services initially in Pakistan’s five largest cities within five to six months.
Officials said the initiative forms part of the government’s broader “Digital Nation Pakistan” vision aimed at expanding digital services and connectivity across the country.
Preparations for the auction included simulation exercises with major telecom operators Jazz, Zong, and Ufone.
Industry experts say radio spectrum functions as an invisible but vital infrastructure that enables modern telecommunications, underpinning everything from mobile internet to digital services.
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