Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman has indicated that Pakistan’s long-awaited 5G spectrum auction could take place before Ramadan, as regulatory preparations near completion.
Speaking during an informal media interaction, the PTA chairman said the authority plans to formally request the government to schedule the auction ahead of Ramadan. He confirmed that the information memorandum for the 5G spectrum auction is expected to be issued within the next 10 to 15 days.
Following the release of the information memorandum, telecom operators will be given a 45-day window to complete the required procedural steps. Hafeez Ur Rehman noted that if the document is issued by January 1, the auction could be held as early as February 15.
Separately, addressing a national cybersecurity awareness seminar, the PTA chairman highlighted the growing importance of advanced digital skills and cautioned against overconfidence in understanding the digital ecosystem. He pointed out that prolonged and unnecessary use of digital platforms increases exposure to cyber risks.
Referring to a recent case in which a citizen was defrauded of Rs. 30 million, he underscored the scale of financial cybercrime and the need for greater public vigilance. He also warned about the increasing misuse of artificial intelligence, noting that AI-generated videos can be highly deceptive and difficult to distinguish from real content.
Hafeez Ur Rehman said that while the government is strengthening legal frameworks to address digital threats, individuals must also take responsibility for their online safety. He emphasized that public awareness remains a critical factor in preventing financial losses and protecting lives in Pakistan’s evolving digital landscape.
Source: https://meatechwatch.com/2025/12/19/pta-signals-february-timeline-for-pakistans-5g-spectrum-auction/
