The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) is pressing ahead with plans for Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction, even as legal roadblocks continue to stall the full release of the allocated frequency. The push comes as part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to enhance its digital infrastructure and position itself competitively on the global telecom map.
⚖️ Legal Battles Over Spectrum Allocation
During a recent National Assembly subcommittee meeting, chaired by Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, it was disclosed that:
- Out of 196 MHz allocated for auction, 146 MHz is under litigation
- Only 50 MHz is available for immediate allocation
- Court cases involving Zong and Nayatel are the primary cause of delays
- An estimated $246 million in spectrum dues remain unrecovered
These unresolved disputes have persisted for years, creating uncertainty for investors and delaying the rollout of 5G in Pakistan.
💸 Financial & Technical Implications
Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima highlighted the billions of rupees locked due to spectrum being held up in courts. Despite these setbacks, the government remains committed to meeting its 5G auction target by June 2025, with a commercial launch expected in 2026.
“This isn’t just about revenue—it’s about future-proofing our economy,” she stated, while advocating for judiciary coordination to resolve the bottlenecks quickly.
🧩 Who’s Blocking What?
Here’s a quick look at the ongoing legal entanglements:
- 📶 Zong: Blocking 11.6 MHz — 6.6 MHz in the 1800 MHz band and 5 MHz in the 2100 MHz band
- ⚡ Nayatel: Litigating over a whopping 140 MHz in the 2600 MHz band
- 💰 Pending Spectrum Dues:
- $117 million tied to the 1800 MHz dispute
- $129 million from the 2100 MHz case
Despite past court rulings and official directives, these disputes have led to inaction and spectrum hoarding, halting Pakistan’s telecom progress.
🏗️ Planning Ahead: Balance Is Key
Committee Chairman Aminul Haq emphasized that the 5G auction should not be revenue-driven alone. He called for a balanced approach that weighs technical needs, market readiness, and user experience alongside economic gains.
A special subcommittee has been formed to:
- Fast-track coordination with the judiciary
- Review legal blockages
- Recommend policy solutions to accelerate spectrum clearance
📉 Why It Matters for Pakistan
- 🇵🇰 Pakistan ranks 79 out of 100 in the Inclusive Internet Index
- 📡 Limited 4G and spectrum issues hinder broadband expansion
- 🏙️ Rural and underserved areas continue to lag behind in digital access
- 🔧 5G rollout is essential to boost:
- Digital transformation
- Smart city projects
- E-governance and public services
- Global tech investment
📅 What’s Next?
While the caretaker government had set a 10-month deadline for the auction last year, real progress has stalled. The current administration is pushing to meet the June 2025 auction goal, but success hinges on:
- Legal resolutions
- Spectrum clarity
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Policy alignment between PTA, FAB, and MoITT
📢 Final Thoughts
Pakistan’s telecom future hangs in the balance. If legal hurdles can be cleared in time, 2025 could mark a turning point for high-speed connectivity and tech investment in the country. For now, all eyes are on the courts—and the clock.
