1LINK Achieves Mastercard Card Bureau Certification
December 27, 2025
Federal Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja announced 5G launch in five major cities after February 2026 spectrum auction approved by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s Economic Coordination Committee.
Read more: Shaza Fatima Khawaja Inaugurated Pakistan Pavilion GITEX Global
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Khawaja announced that 5G services will launch in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and two other provincial capitals during the first quarter of the next financial year. The rollout follows a spectrum auction scheduled for February 2026, with 5G expected six months post-auction and 4G improvements within four months.
The Economic Coordination Committee, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, approved Pakistan’s largest spectrum auction, covering nearly 600 megahertz of spectrum, marking a historic milestone. The decision followed recommendations from the Spectrum Advisory Committee in consultation with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and telecom stakeholders.
Shaza Fatima confirmed that recommendations on bidding models and base pricing have been submitted to the Federal Cabinet for final approval. Once cleared, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority will issue an Information Memorandum to begin negotiations with telecom operators. The minister emphasized that the auction will significantly improve internet speeds across Pakistan by mid-2026, including highways and remote areas.
