Pakistan 5G Auction Reaches Final Stage
The Pakistan 5G auction has entered its final stage. Authorities have started bidding for spectrum positioning in the 3500 MHz band. Officials launched the process during a formal ceremony. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the IT secretary, and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority chairman attended the event. PTA Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman confirmed that the current bidding focuses on positioning the spectrum. Earlier, the positioning process for the 2600 MHz band had already finished. However, the authority will announce results for both bands together. Officials also said the auction process follows strict transparency guidelines. These steps come under the direction of Shehbaz Sharif.
Historic Step Toward Faster Connectivity
According to IT Minister Shaza Fatima, the first phase of the auction completed spectrum purchases. Meanwhile, the second phase decides how operators will position those frequencies. She described the event as historic. Pakistan previously operated with only 274 MHz of spectrum. Therefore, the country ranked among the lowest globally in spectrum availability.
Now, the situation has improved. Pakistan has moved from the lowest tier to the middle range. As a result, the country is stepping into the 5G era. The minister added that faster connectivity will benefit many sectors. For example, agriculture, healthcare, trade, and the broader economy could see major improvements. In addition, technology plays a role in national security. She noted that cyber warfare formed a key part of last year’s “Battle of Truth.”
Finally, the government acknowledged ongoing internet challenges. Officials believe the spectrum auction will help improve connectivity across the country.
