PM Shahbaz hails 5G rollout as Pakistan enters digital era

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan formally issued 5G spectrum licences on Thursday, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif calling the move a “milestone” for the country’s industry, agriculture and IT sectors.

Addressing a ceremony marking the licences’ issuance, Shahbaz said the auction had been conducted with “complete transparency” and congratulated the Federal Minister for IT, Shiza Fatima Khawaja, her team, and the telecom operators that secured licences, including Jazz, Zong and Ufone.

“The government is committed to providing modern technology facilities to the public nationwide,” Shahbaz said.

“This step will allow young people to leverage advanced technologies, including AI, to enhance Pakistan’s name in the IT sector.”

He also highlighted Pakistan’s close ties with China, noting that the adoption of modern technology reflects the “unique friendship” between the two countries.

Shiza Fatima Khawaja said the launch marked the first introduction of 5G in Pakistan, and that efforts were also underway to improve 4G services. She added that the auction had ensured full transparency and that overall internet quality would improve in the coming months.

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman Maj-Gen (retd) Hafeez ur Rehman said Pakistan’s mobile technology development began in the early 1990s.

Since 2004, four spectrum auctions had been held, and with the latest transparent 5G auction, Pakistan now ranks first in the region in terms of spectrum capacity, he said.

The ceremony saw formal signing of 5G spectrum licences between PTA and telecom operators Jazz, Ufone, and Zong. Following the licence issuance, the companies are expected to roll out 5G services nationwide, providing faster internet, modern digital services, and boosting the country’s digital economy.