Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has termed the NGMS/5G spectrum auction conducted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) a historic milestone for Pakistan's digital transformation.
Addressing participants at the spectrum auction ceremony held in Islamabad, the Finance Minister said the event marked the culmination of extensive efforts carried out over the past one and a half years to finalize the auction framework.
He said the Spectrum Committee, which he chaired, held detailed deliberations to develop a balanced framework that would optimize revenue while creating an enabling ecosystem for Pakistan's digital development.
Senator Aurangzeb noted that the process for the spectrum auction had originally been initiated during the tenure of the Information Technology Minister in 2021, appreciating the continuity of policy across successive governments.
He emphasized that digital development serves as a means to achieve broader economic and social progress, adding that improved digital connectivity would deliver faster, more affordable and efficient services across multiple sectors.
The Finance Minister highlighted that the IT and IT-enabled services sector remains one of Pakistan's most promising areas for growth, particularly in boosting exports and creating employment opportunities.
He said the government is focused on providing an enabling environment for the private sector to lead economic growth, while initiatives such as support for freelancers, expansion of digital infrastructure, development of payment systems and digitization of government payments are being pursued.
Senator Aurangzeb added that increased spectrum availability and the rollout of 5G services would facilitate emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, blockchain and Web 3.0, helping Pakistan transition toward a modern digital economy.
He expressed confidence that the spectrum auction would lead to improved connectivity, innovation and new economic opportunities across the country.