Federal Minister for IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, engaged with leading digital magazines during a webinar focused on Pakistan’s spectrum auction process and the country’s broader connectivity roadmap. The session provided an opportunity for the minister to outline the government’s position on spectrum management, mobile network expansion, and the role of connectivity in supporting digital services and economic activity. The interaction formed part of ongoing efforts to communicate policy direction to industry stakeholders and the technology community while addressing questions around spectrum availability and future network readiness.
During the discussion, Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed that the spectrum auction has been approved and will be placed before the Federal Cabinet. She emphasized that spectrum policy remains a critical component of Pakistan’s digital infrastructure planning and that timely allocation is essential for sustaining growth in mobile and broadband services. The minister highlighted that unutilised spectrum continues to result in significant economic loss to the national exchequer, as idle frequencies limit network capacity and delay service improvements. By advancing the auction process, the government aims to unlock value from existing spectrum resources while enabling operators to enhance coverage and performance across the country.
The webinar also highlighted the economic contribution of Pakistan’s mobile ecosystem, which currently stands at 16.7 billion dollars. According to the minister, this contribution has the potential to double through optimal spectrum use and improved network efficiency. She explained that access to additional spectrum allows mobile operators to deliver better service quality, faster data speeds, and improved user experience, while also preparing networks for next generation technologies including 5G. Shaza Fatima Khawaja noted that spectrum availability is directly linked to network resilience and scalability, making it a foundational element for supporting data intensive applications, digital services, and enterprise connectivity.
Another key area discussed during the webinar was spectrum pricing and its impact on long term sector health. The minister stated that rationalised pricing can strengthen telecom networks by allowing operators to invest more effectively in infrastructure upgrades and service expansion. She added that a balanced pricing approach can generate sustainable long term revenue for the government while avoiding financial strain on the industry. Improved connectivity, she noted, will significantly enhance the digital experience for citizens by enabling more reliable access to online services, education platforms, digital payments, and content consumption. These improvements are expected to support broader digital inclusion objectives and encourage greater participation in the digital economy.
Throughout the session, Shaza Fatima Khawaja reiterated that connectivity policy is closely aligned with Pakistan’s digital development goals. She stressed that effective spectrum management, combined with regulatory oversight by PTA: Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, is essential for creating an environment where telecom operators can innovate while maintaining service standards. The webinar with digital media outlets served as a platform to clarify policy priorities, highlight economic impact, and underline the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s telecom sector. By focusing on spectrum utilisation, network quality, and affordability, the connectivity roadmap aims to support sustained growth in mobile services and improve digital access for users across the country.
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