5G Spectrum Auction Contingent on Key Resolutions, Says IT Minister

ISLAMABAD: Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, has stated that the highly anticipated 5G spectrum auction is dependent on resolving critical issues, including PTCL’s acquisition of Telenor and ongoing legal disputes concerning spectrum.

“The government intends to conduct the 5G spectrum auction before the year concludes, provided these outstanding matters are addressed,” the minister stated at an event. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) and the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, in collaboration with TikTok, announced the formal introduction of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) feed in Pakistan, reinforcing its commitment to enhancing accessibility and engagement with high-quality educational content.

Currently, Pakistan utilizes 274 MHz of spectrum, but the impending auction is projected to potentially provide twice this existing capacity.

Fatima additionally highlighted continuous initiatives aimed at enhancing the digital infrastructure, which includes expanding fibre optic networks, improving satellite internet services, and increasing smartphone affordability. A novel policy is currently being formulated to facilitate smartphone accessibility through flexible installment plans.

“We are developing an extensive digital identity framework under the Digital Pakistan Act,” she explained, also noting a 25 percent surge in internet accessibility nationwide. She added that improvements in digital system integration have resulted in reduced inflation and policy rates.

The minister also mentioned a $1 billion rise in Pakistan’s IT exports over the last couple of years, where freelancers contribute over $700 million. Moreover, 1.2 million laptops were awarded based on merit, and plans are underway to distribute an additional 100,000 units soon.

She revealed a plan to educate one million children under the country’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, with 100,000 individuals already benefiting from training through DigiSkills in the past year.

She pointed out that Pakistan is linked by seven submarine cables, with an additional three slated for installation this year. The world’s most extensive submarine cable is projected to connect with Pakistan by the close of 2025.

“In today’s world, technology is becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives. Our goal is to explore innovative ways to learn through technology,” the minister noted, stressing the need for ethical and constructive utilization of technology. She also mentioned technology’s critical role in past conflicts.

The STEM feed on TikTok offers a specialized in-app experience that allows users to explore curated, high-quality content focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It aims to stimulate curiosity, foster critical thinking, and broaden opportunities for digital education, especially for students, educators, and young professionals throughout Pakistan.

TikTok is also teaming up with major academic organizations nationwide to initiate a training program for teachers, educators, and instructors. These sessions will concentrate on providing them with the essential resources, methods, and recommended practices for producing compelling, informative, and engaging STEM content designed for short-form video.

TikTok is actively fostering Pakistan’s local STEM creator community, providing guidance to improve the volume and quality of STEM content across the platform in various languages. This seeks to establish a self-sustaining educational ecosystem where educators and independent creators contribute to a shared objective: to make STEM education accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable.

TikTok has also introduced a specific hashtag #StemTok and a landing page to feature content from collaborators, creators, and publishers, offering quick access to local language STEM content in Pakistan.

The minister emphasized that this project supports our broader goal of leveraging digital platforms to improve education and skill development in Pakistan. TikTok’s STEM feed is an outstanding illustration of how technology can democratize knowledge and empower our youth, especially aspiring female students, to investigate new career paths in science and technology. “We are delighted to endorse this collaboration with TikTok and are optimistic about its lasting impact.”

Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, remarked, “We applaud the launch of TikTok’s specialized STEM Feed in Pakistan as an initiative to make science and technology more relevant to our youth. When used responsibly, digital platforms can transform into effective instruments for education, creativity, and empowerment.”

Fahad Muhammad Khan Niazi, Head of Public Policy and Government Relations, Pakistan at TikTok, commented: “The introduction of the TikTok STEM feed in Pakistan represents a significant advancement in our pursuit to inspire and educate through creativity.”