Pakistan has once again failed to meet its own target for launching 5G services, missing the June 30, 2025 deadline — the fourth in a series of delays that continue to hinder the country’s transition to next-generation mobile technology.
Despite repeated commitments, including public assurances by Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the government was unable to even convene the crucial Spectrum Advisory Committee meeting — a necessary step toward initiating the 5G auction process.
Read more: Federal Government to Reevaluate 5G Spectrum Auction Policy
In an exclusive interview with Samaa TV, Minister Shaza Fatima cited ongoing legal complications and delays in regulatory approvals as the primary causes of the setback. She stated that the finance minister, who heads the Spectrum Auction Committee, has been urged to call the long-pending meeting now that the federal budget is finalized.
She confirmed that a third-party consulting firm has completed its analysis for the 5G auction and is prepared to present its findings — including pricing and policy suggestions — to the Spectrum Auction Committee. However, she did not provide a new deadline, only expressing optimism for progress in the near future. According to her, both the finance minister and committee leadership are actively monitoring the matter.
Key Legal and Regulatory Barriers
Officials say the main obstacle remains a series of legal disputes between the government and telecom operators. These disputes have led to court-imposed restrictions on 146 MHz of the 196 MHz spectrum initially set aside for the auction, severely limiting available high-quality spectrum until the legal issues are resolved.
Further delaying the process is the still-pending merger between Telenor and PTCL, which awaits approval from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP). This unresolved corporate action continues to hamper the industry’s preparedness for a 5G rollout.
A Pattern of Repeated Delays
- December 2022 – Original 5G launch target announced by then IT minister Aminul Haq.
- July 2023 – New deadline passed without progress.
- August 2024 – Interim IT minister Dr. Umar Saif promised launch but failed to deliver.
- June 30, 2025 – Latest deadline missed under Shaza Fatima’s watch.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had earlier appointed an advisor to suggest spectrum pricing and licensing conditions, but those recommendations remain pending review. The auction process itself cannot proceed until the federal cabinet issues an official policy directive.
