ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved a two-month timeline to complete the auction of 600 megahertz (MHz) telecom spectrum, a move aimed at easing internet congestion and paving the way for the launch of 5G services in Pakistan.
Read More: Govt plans 600 MHz spectrum auction in Feb, opening doors for 5G
The decision was taken during a meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Officials said the auction process would be finalised by the end of January or early February, followed by visible improvements in internet services within five to six months.
ECC has approved key recommendations for Pakistan’s largest-ever spectrum auction, paving the way for the country’s first commercial 5G rollout. Nearly 600 MHz of additional spectrum will be auctioned, with the process targeted for completion by late Jan or early Feb, subject to… pic.twitter.com/lmYcXPuwRo
— Adeel Afzal (@AdeelAfzal06) December 23, 2025
After PIA, Pakistan approves a live-broadcast 5G spectrum auction, clearing the path for early nationwide 5G rollout. pic.twitter.com/eFbpi17dX6
— Mansoor Ahmed Qureshi (@MansurQr) December 23, 2025
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the recommendations for the auction were prepared by a US-based consultancy firm, National Economic Research Associates (NERA), drawing on global best practices. He noted that limited spectrum availability was directly translating into economic losses and hindering Pakistan’s digital and financial inclusion goals.
Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Pakistan’s 245 million population was currently “making do” with only 274MHz of spectrum, compared to 600MHz available in neighbouring Bangladesh. She described the situation as trying to manage heavy traffic on only two lanes instead of eight, resulting in persistent internet slowdowns.
She said the new auction would offer around 606MHz of spectrum across multiple bands, including 700MHz, 1800MHz, 2100MHz, 2300MHz, and the 2600MHz and 3500MHz bands, which are considered critical for 5G deployment. Operators would be required to roll out the spectrum within four to six months of allocation.
The ECC also approved a Rs20 billion bailout package for Pakistan International Airlines Investment Limited (PIA-IL) to help clear tax liabilities linked to the Roosevelt Hotel in New York and address domestic loan defaults. Officials said the funds would help avoid adverse legal action in the United States.
Read More: Pakistan moves ahead with 5G auction despite legal hurdles
The government reiterated that improved internet connectivity remains central to its Digital Pakistan and Connect 2030 initiatives.