Pakistan’s long-delayed spectrum auction, seen as vital for the growth of the telecom and digital economy, will be completed by December 2025 under the directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The timeline was confirmed during a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, at the Parliament House on Tuesday.
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According to officials, the Auction Supervisory Committee (ASC), led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, is set to meet on Monday. The consultant hired for the process will present its report, after which the government will move toward formal approval.
The Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) informed lawmakers that key frequency bands have been prepared for the auction. These include 30 MHz cleared for release and additional bands identified in the 3 GHz and 24 GHz ranges, aligning Pakistan with international 5G standards.
Despite these steps, senators expressed concern over repeated delays. Legal disputes and stay orders on some frequency bands have stalled progress, leading to economic losses and slowing down digital expansion.
The Ministry of IT’s Special Secretary assured that the auction would not face further delays. He said the process is being handled in line with the Prime Minister’s instructions to ensure transparency, efficiency, and completion before year’s end.
