Pakistan Ties 5G Rollout to Legal and Merger Issues
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shiza Fatima, has said the government is targeting the nationwide rollout of 5G services by the end of 2025, but only after resolving key issues related to the PTCL-Telenor merger and ongoing spectrum litigation.
Speaking at a recent public event, the minister explained that Pakistan currently uses 274 MHz of spectrum, most of which was auctioned back in 2014. She added that the upcoming 5G auction could potentially offer double the existing capacity, significantly enhancing connectivity.
Fatima also shared updates on broader efforts to boost Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. She said the government was working on expanding fibre optic networks, launching satellite internet, and introducing a policy that would allow people to purchase smartphones in instalments.
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She revealed that a comprehensive digital identity system is in development under the new Digital Pakistan Act, and noted that internet penetration had grown by 25 percent. This, she said, had helped reduce inflation and policy rates through more integrated digital systems.
On economic performance, the minister stated that IT exports had increased by $1 billion in the past two years. She credited freelancers for playing a key role, with 96 percent contributing $700 million. She also said 1.2 million laptops had been distributed on merit, with another 100,000 to follow.
Fatima also mentioned plans under Pakistan’s AI policy, which include training one million children, and said 100,000 individuals were trained last year via DigiSkills.
On gender inclusion, she underlined the need to create safe public spaces for women and address the digital gender divide, citing recent GSMA data.
She concluded by highlighting improvements in connectivity, noting that seven submarine cables already connect to Pakistan, with three more due this year and the world’s largest submarine cable expected by the end of 2025.
