Pakistan has once again failed to meet its self-imposed deadline for the launch of 5G services, with the government missing the June 30, 2025 target.
This marks the fourth missed deadline in a series of delays that have plagued the country’s long-promised entry into next-generation mobile connectivity.
Despite repeated assurances, including from Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the government could not even hold the Spectrum Advisory Committee meeting — a prerequisite for moving ahead with the 5G auction process.
In an exclusive interview with Samaa TV, Shaza Fatima attributed the delay to legal complications and regulatory approvals. She said the finance minister, who chairs the Spectrum Auction Committee, has been requested to convene the long-overdue meeting, especially now that the federal budget process has concluded.
“A third-party consultancy firm has completed its recommendations regarding the 5G auction. The report will be presented in the Spectrum Auction Committee meeting, where pricing and conditions for the spectrum will be finalized,” Shaza Fatima confirmed.
She also hoped for early progress in the launch but failed to give a new deadline. "The finance minister and the head of the Spectrum Auction Committee are seeking regular feedback on this matter."
Legal and regulatory roadblocks
The biggest hurdle, according to officials, is the legal disputes between the government and telecom operators, which have resulted in a court stay on 146 MHz out of the 196 MHz spectrum initially allocated for auction. This leaves very limited room for auctioning high-quality spectrum until the legal issues are resolved.
Additionally, the merger of Telenor and PTCL is still pending approval from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), further complicating the auction process and delaying market readiness for 5G deployment.
A history of missed deadlines
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December 2022 – First 5G deadline announced by former IT minister Aminul Haq.
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July 2023 – Revised deadline again missed.
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August 2024 – former caretaker IT minister Dr. Umar Saif promised 5G rollout but failed to deliver.
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June 30, 2025 – Latest missed deadline under Shaza Fatima's leadership.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had appointed an advisor whose recommendations on spectrum pricing and licensing conditions are yet to be reviewed by the advisory committee. The auction itself can only proceed after a formal policy directive from the federal cabinet.
