Islamabad, September 3, 2025 — Pakistan is finally gearing up for its long-delayed 5G spectrum auction, with the process expected to be completed by December 2025, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The announcement marks a pivotal moment for the country’s telecom and digital sectors, which have been awaiting next-generation connectivity for years.
The timeline was disclosed during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan. Officials confirmed that the Auction Supervisory Committee (ASC), led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, will convene on Monday to review the consultant’s recommendations and formally approve the auction roadmap.
The Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) briefed the committee on its preparations, noting that key frequency bands have been aligned with global 5G standards. These include the clearance of 30 MHz and identification of additional millimeter-wave bands in the 3 GHz and 24 GHz ranges—essential for enabling high-speed, low-latency connectivity.
However, committee members voiced concerns over persistent delays caused by litigation and stay orders on certain frequency bands. These legal hurdles, they warned, are costing Pakistan valuable economic opportunities and stalling the growth of its digital ecosystem.
The Special Secretary of the Ministry of IT assured lawmakers that all necessary steps are being taken to meet the December deadline. He emphasized that the auction process will be conducted transparently and efficiently, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision for a digitally empowered Pakistan.
With the auction now on track, stakeholders across the telecom industry are watching closely, hopeful that Pakistan will finally unlock the full potential of 5G technology.