The long-awaited Pakistan 5G spectrum auction has hit yet another roadblock, as prolonged legal disputes stall progress and threaten to push the country further behind in global digital advancement. During a recent meeting, the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology voiced serious concerns that continued delays could damage Pakistan’s competitiveness in the digital economy, especially when regional countries are rapidly adopting 5G technology.
Legal Disputes Stall Prime 2600 MHz Spectrum
According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, a successful Pakistan 5G spectrum auction depends on freeing up suitable frequencies. The most crucial band, 2600 MHz, is currently entangled in litigation. Whenever one High Court rules in the government’s favor, the opposing party takes the case to another court, causing years of delay.
The IT Secretary explained that these repeated legal challenges prevent the release of spectrum necessary for auction. Officials from the Ministry of IT further confirmed that the disputes primarily involve Sun TV, which has contested spectrum allocation in court.
Ownership of Sun TV Sparks Debate
The committee pressed officials to clarify who owns Sun TV, but both PTA and IT Ministry representatives admitted they had no knowledge. This lack of transparency drew sharp criticism from senators. It was only when journalist Kalbe Ali, present at the meeting, disclosed that businessman Aqeel Karim Dhedhi owns Sun TV that clarity emerged.
Senator Afnanullah pointed out, “Everyone in the media knows this, but government officials are too scared to say his name.” The committee hinted at summoning Dhedhi in future hearings to address his role in the dispute directly.
Government’s Strategy to Resolve the Dispute
The IT and Telecom Secretary assured senators that the federal government has devised a legal strategy to expedite proceedings. The Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has already filed petitions in court requesting early hearings. However, senators expressed dissatisfaction that the issue has dragged on for years without resolution.
Committee members argued that the government should explore both legal and negotiated settlements. Senator Afnanullah emphasized that officials must proactively engage with contesting parties to reach a solution, while the Chairperson urged the government to press the courts for urgent hearings.
Why Pakistan Cannot Afford More Delays
Globally, 5G networks are becoming the backbone of digital economies. According to GSMA Intelligence, more than 261 operators across 101 countries had launched 5G services by early 2024. India, Pakistan’s neighbor, has already rolled out 5G across major cities, with subscribers expected to reach 150 million by 2026.
In contrast, Pakistan remains stuck at the stage of preparing for the Pakistan 5G spectrum auction. Analysts warn that delays could cost the country billions in potential investment. A report by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) estimates that 5G adoption could add $1.2–1.5 billion annually to Pakistan’s GDP if launched in time.
Without timely deployment, Pakistan risks widening its digital divide, missing opportunities in sectors such as e-commerce, agriculture technology, artificial intelligence, and remote healthcare.
Parliamentary Pressure Mounts
The Senate Standing Committee has taken a firm stance, summoning FAB officials to its next session for a detailed briefing. Senators stressed that the auction is not merely a technical matter but one of national economic importance. They urged the IT Ministry and PTA to demonstrate greater urgency in resolving disputes.
Committee members also warned that if litigation continues indefinitely, Pakistan could fall further behind in digital competitiveness. Countries that have already launched 5G are witnessing faster internet speeds, enhanced connectivity for businesses, and increased foreign direct investment in digital infrastructure.
What Needs to Be Done
Experts suggest that Pakistan must:
- Pursue faster resolution of legal disputes through special tribunals or alternative dispute mechanisms.
- Develop a clear and transparent policy framework for spectrum allocation to avoid future litigation.
- Engage with all stakeholders, including private companies, to ensure fair competition and attract investment.
- Prioritize the Pakistan 5G spectrum auction as a national digital milestone rather than a bureaucratic exercise.
The coming months will be crucial. If the government succeeds in freeing up spectrum and holding the auction, Pakistan can begin catching up with regional peers. However, if disputes linger, the gap between Pakistan and the rest of the digital world may widen further.
The Pakistan 5G spectrum auction remains stalled due to prolonged legal battles, with the 2600 MHz band at the center of disputes. Senators have raised alarms, warning that continued delays could hurt the country’s digital transformation and economic growth. With neighboring countries already moving ahead, Pakistan cannot afford to waste more time. Resolving these disputes swiftly and transparently will determine whether Pakistan joins the 5G era on time or remains left behind.
