Pakistan’s long-standing struggle with slow and unreliable internet connectivity has finally been acknowledged at the highest policy level, and more importantly, it is being addressed with clarity and resolve. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja’s candid admission that persistent internet speed issues stem from a severe shortage of spectrum marks a refreshing departure from vague explanations. 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.
At the heart of the problem lies a structural imbalance. Pakistan is currently running its entire mobile internet ecosystem on just 274 megahertz of spectrum for a population nearing 240 million. The minister’s analogy of “trying to run four-lane traffic on a two-lane road” aptly captures the strain on existing digital infrastructure. In a region where neighboring countries have moved aggressively to expand spectrum availability, Pakistan’s lag has inevitably translated into slower speeds, congestion, and frustrated users. The comparison with Bangladesh operating with nearly 600 megahertz of spectrum despite a smaller population underscores how critical this deficit has been.
The federal cabinet’s approval of a new spectrum auction framework is therefore a timely and strategic intervention. The planned release of approximately 600 megahertz of additional spectrum, including seven bands five of them being auctioned for the first time has the potential to fundamentally transform Pakistan’s connectivity landscape. This is not merely a technical exercise; it is an economic and social imperative. Reliable, high-speed internet today underpins everything from e-commerce, fintech, and software exports to education, healthcare, and e-governance.
Equally encouraging is the government’s clear timeline and outcome-oriented approach. The assurance that 3G and 4G services will see significant improvement within three to four months of the auction provides immediate hope to consumers and businesses alike. More notably, the commitment to launch 5G services within six months in provincial capitals, including Islamabad, places Pakistan firmly on the regional digital map. While 5G is often discussed in abstract terms, its practical implications ultra-low latency, higher capacity, and support for emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things and smart cities are transformative.
Minister Shaza Fatima’s emphasis that the objective is “not just faster internet, but future-ready connectivity” reflects a mature policy vision. The collaboration with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and international consultants further strengthens confidence that the process will adhere to global best practices, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.
Of course, spectrum expansion alone will not solve every digital challenge. Issues such as last-mile connectivity, affordability, and cyber security must also be addressed in parallel. However, removing the primary bottleneck is a necessary first step and the most critical one.
In acknowledging the problem and presenting a concrete, time-bound solution, the government has demonstrated both honesty and intent. 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. The road to a truly connected Pakistan is long, but with this decisive move, the traffic is finally set to flow.