Her announcement of a major spectrum auction and preparations for Pakistan’s first-ever 5G rollout signals a decisive shift toward future-ready digital governance. The minister’s analogy of “trying to run four-lane traffic on a two-lane road” aptly captures the strain on existing digital infrastructure. The federal cabinet’s approval of a new spectrum auction framework is therefore a timely and strategic intervention. More notably, the commitment to launch 5G services within six months in provincial capitals, including Islamabad, places Pakistan firmly on the regional digital map. If executed effectively, the upcoming spectrum auction and 5G rollout could mark a turning point for Pakistan’s digital economy, enabling innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and empowering millions of citizens.

Source: The Patriot January 03, 2026 22:49 UTC