ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing the public with modern technological facilities, describing the launch of 5G spectrum as a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s industry, agriculture, and information technology sectors. Addressing the ceremony for the issuance of 5G spectrum licences, he said the auction had been conducted in an “extremely transparent” manner despite legal challenges, setting new precedents for regulatory practices in the country. He congratulated the Minister for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and her team, along with telecom operators Jazz, Zong, and Ufone, for their successful participation in the auction. “This achievement marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s technology sector. The promotion of modern technology will serve as a cornerstone for the development of our industry, agriculture, and IT sectors,” he said. READ MORE: Over 1.4Gbps speeds recorded in 5G trial phase He also commended the efforts of Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and his team for resolving legal obstacles with efficiency and diligence. Shrifexpressed hope that 5G technology would reach every corner of the country, from urban centres to rural areas. “Young people must take full advantage of modern technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance Pakistan’s presence in the global IT arena,” he said. Highlighting the strong bilateral relations between Pakistan and China, he added that the rollout of 5G represents a tangible outcome of the countries’ enduring partnership. Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the success of the 5G spectrum auction reflected the Prime Minister’s leadership and the collective efforts of his team. She noted that Pakistan had introduced 5G services for the first time, while existing 4G services would also see significant improvements in the coming months. “The overall quality of internet services is expected to improve substantially, ensuring that citizens enjoy faster and more reliable connectivity,” she said. Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Maj Gen Hafeez ur Rehman (retd), traced the history of mobile technology in Pakistan, which began in the early 1990s. He highlighted that four spectrum auctions had been conducted between 2004 and 2025, with the latest 5G licence issuance making Pakistan the regional leader in spectrum capacity. The ceremony saw the formal signing of 5G spectrum licence agreements between the PTA and telecom operators Jazz, Ufone, and Zong. With these licences, the companies will be able to officially launch 5G services across Pakistan, offering users high-speed internet and advanced digital services. Industry analysts say the development is expected to bolster the country’s digital economy, online businesses, and e-commerce sectors, while also creating new opportunities for youth and entrepreneurs. The prime minister expressed confidence that the expansion of 5G would strengthen Pakistan’s IT ecosystem, improve service delivery, and contribute to economic growth. “We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of modern technology reach every citizen, bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas,” he said. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026