Islamabad: Pakistan has approved the auction of 5G spectrum as part of efforts to accelerate the Digital Pakistan program, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Tuesday, signalling a major step toward expanding digital connectivity and financial inclusion.
Aurangzeb announced at a joint press conference alongside Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja after a meeting of the cabinet’s Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).
ECC clears long-awaited spectrum auction
Aurangzeb said the ECC formally approved the 5G spectrum auction during its meeting earlier in the day, ending delays that officials say have cost the country financially.
He added that spectrum plays a critical role in expanding digital and financial inclusion, and unauctioned spectrum represents a loss to the national economy.
“The government is moving faster on this journey,” Aurangzeb said, referring to digital reforms aimed at boosting growth and connectivity.
International standards guide auction process
The finance minister said the Spectrum Advisory Committee hired National Economic Research Associates (NERA) as a consultant to design the auction framework.
NERA worked under the supervision of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and other relevant bodies, engaging with stakeholders and reviewing past spectrum auctions conducted domestically, regionally and internationally.
Aurangzeb said the auction process adheres to international best practices, including recommendations on spectrum pricing, payment terms and auction design.
Recommendations approved after review
He said the government carefully reviewed the consultant’s recommendations, aligning them with Pakistan’s economic and technological priorities before submitting them to the ECC.
Following deliberations, the ECC approved the proposed framework, clearing the way for the launch of the 5G spectrum auction.
Officials say the move is expected to improve digital infrastructure, attract investment and support the broader Digital Pakistan agenda in the coming years.
