In a significant move to advance Pakistan’s digital landscape, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has slated the 5G spectrum auction for April or May 2025. This announcement was made by PTA Chairman, Major General (Retd.) Hafeez Ur Rehman, during a seminar in Islamabad that featured telecom experts from Malaysia. The Chairman acknowledged previous delays in the rollout of 5G services and emphasized the importance of learning from Malaysia’s successful deployment of 5G and progression towards 5.5G technologies

Minister of State for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, also addressed the seminar, highlighting ongoing internet connectivity challenges in Pakistan. She noted that network congestion often leads to service disruptions and expressed optimism that the upcoming spectrum auction would alleviate these issues. The Minister pointed out that legal obstacles had previously hindered the allocation of several megahertz of spectrum for over two decades. Post-auction, both 4G and 5G services are expected to experience substantial improvements.

Additionally, Minister Khawaja announced the arrival of the world’s largest submarine cable in Pakistan, which is anticipated to become operational soon. This development is poised to enhance the country’s internet connectivity significantly. She also mentioned plans to utilize the Wakhan Corridor to establish a connection between Pakistan and Central Asia, further bolstering regional connectivity

The introduction of 5G technology is projected to revolutionize various sectors in Pakistan, including healthcare, education, and commerce, by providing faster and more reliable internet services. The government has set ambitious targets to increase IT exports from the current $3.2 billion to $15 billion, with improved connectivity serving as a cornerstone for achieving this goal. Enhanced digital infrastructure is also expected to position Pakistan as a leading internet-friendly nation, fostering economic growth and technological innovation