The Chairman, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) briefed the Committee on the forthcoming 5G spectrum auction, scheduled to be held on 10 March 2026. He informed that the auction marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s digital transformation and aims to significantly enhance broadband connectivity across the country. It was shared that three major telecom operators—Jazz, Ufone, and Zong—have already submitted an advance participation fee of USD 15 million each, demonstrating strong industry confidence in the 5G rollout. The Chairman further stated that multiple spectrum bands will be offered in the auction, and as per the auction framework, each participating bidder will be required to acquire a minimum of 100 MHz of spectrum. The initial rollout of 5G services will be carried out in selected cities, with telecom operators directed to enhance network readiness, including increased fiberization of mobile towers.

The Committee appreciated the efforts of PTA in successfully steering the 5G spectrum auction process and emphasized that the ultimate objective of the auction is to ensure that the benefits of 5G technology—high-speed and reliable internet services—reach the general public and contribute to socio-economic growth in Pakistan.

The Committee also discussed the budgetary proposals relating to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and its attached departments for the upcoming financial year. After detailed deliberations, the Committee approved the total budgetary outlay of the Ministry and its attached departments, including both ongoing and new development projects, amounting to Rs. 71,839.863 million for the Financial Year 2026–27.

The Committee also took up “The Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill, 2026” (Government Bill). The Secretary, Ministry of IT & Telecommunication, informed that consideration of the Bill had earlier been deferred to allow consultations with the Parliamentary Legislative Committee and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). However, due to time constraints, such consultations could not be held. Consequently, the Committee agreed to defer “The Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill, 2026” (Government Bill) until the consultative process is completed, after which it will be presented before the Committee for approval.

The following MNAs namely Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Ms. Gulnaz Shahzadi, Syed Ali Qasim Gillani, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Mr. Sadiq Ali Memon, Ms. Sharmila Sahiba Faruqi, Mr. Ahmad Saleem Siddiqui, Ms. Shazia Farid, Ms. Asia Ishaque Siddiqui, Mr. Pullain Baloch, the officials of the Ministry and its attached departments attended the meeting.