Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology has expressed serious concern over the prolonged delays in Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction, pointing to unresolved legal disputes as the main hurdle. Committee members warned that the country risks falling further behind in the global race for digital connectivity if urgent steps are not taken to resolve spectrum availability. Officials from PTA briefed the committee, explaining that auctioning spectrum requires access to free and unencumbered frequencies, but the critical 2600 MHz band remains locked in court battles. IT Secretary added that even when rulings are issued in government’s favor by one High Court, the matter is immediately taken to another, creating a cycle of delays that has stalled progress.
Ministry of IT officials confirmed that the spectrum-related cases are tied to litigation involving Sun TV, a matter that has remained pending in courts for years. A surprising turn took place during the committee session when senators pressed for clarity on the ownership of Sun TV. Neither PTA nor the IT Ministry could provide an answer, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers. It was only when journalist Kalbe Ali, present in the meeting, disclosed that Sun TV is owned by businessman Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, that the committee received a clear response. This revelation sparked strong reactions, with Senator Afnanullah remarking that everyone in the media was aware of this fact, yet government officials avoided naming him out of fear. Members of the committee suggested that Dhedhi could be summoned in future sessions to provide clarity on the ongoing dispute.
The IT and Telecom Secretary informed senators that the federal government has devised a strategy to push for expedited proceedings and that the Frequency Allocation Board has already petitioned the courts to prioritize hearings related to the spectrum. However, senators expressed dissatisfaction that despite years of litigation, no meaningful resolution has been achieved. Senator Afnanullah pressed officials on why a negotiated settlement had not been pursued directly with the disputing party, while the Committee Chairperson emphasized that immediate action must be taken to secure early hearings in court and move the process forward.
The committee underlined that continued delays in resolving the spectrum disputes are directly holding back the 5G rollout in Pakistan, a development seen as critical for economic growth, digital adoption, and global competitiveness. Lawmakers have now summoned Frequency Allocation Board officials to appear in the next committee meeting to provide a more detailed briefing on the status of the stalled auction and measures being taken to break the deadlock. Until then, the future of Pakistan’s 5G launch remains uncertain, tied to ongoing litigation and unanswered questions over spectrum ownership and policy execution.
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