Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the completion of the long-awaited 5G spectrum auction by December 2025, despite facing challenges such as cellular company mergers, legal disputes over key spectrum bands, and economic concerns, according to media reports.
A briefing provided to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, on Tuesday revealed that the auction advisory committee, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, will convene on Monday to review proposals from an international consultant.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) confirmed that a total of 606 MHz of spectrum is available, including 154 MHz currently under litigation.
The committee was informed that the auction, now scheduled for completion by December 2025, will be carried out based on recommendations from the engaged consultant. DG Licensing Amer Shahzad highlighted that mid-band frequencies, particularly the 2600 MHz and 3500 MHz bands, are crucial for enhancing service quality and coverage. Pakistan’s IMT spectrum remains significantly lower than that of its regional counterparts.
Senator Anusha Rahman proposed the inclusion of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in the auction committee to ensure transparency. The committee was briefed on the ongoing stay orders related to the spectrum, with the next hearing scheduled for September 17. Lawmakers expressed concern that continued delays could impact Pakistan’s digital progress and economic growth.
In a related discussion, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) briefed the committee on the growing issue of cyber fraud, reporting that scams have cost citizens over Rs 3 billion. The agency has dismantled 63 illegal call centers, recovered Rs 40 million, and arrested around 450 individuals.
The committee voiced concern over exploitative digital loan apps charging exorbitant interest rates, along with other scams involving gambling platforms and misinformation campaigns.
Efforts to combat cybercrime include enhanced coordination with banks to identify skimming devices, along with increased digital surveillance during key national events. The committee stressed the importance of using artificial intelligence to detect cyber threats early and called for stricter accountability measures for social media platforms. The NCCIA was directed to present a detailed report on cyber-related crimes in the next session.
Updates were also shared by the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), PTA, and NCCIA regarding registered call centers, software houses, and ongoing efforts to curb cyber fraud. The committee highlighted the urgent need to restore digital trust and protect citizens from financial exploitation.
