Pakistan’s 5G Future is Stuck in Legal Hurdles

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology has raised alarm over prolonged legal disputes stalling Pakistan’s 5G spectrum auction, warning that continued delays risk pushing the country further behind in the global digital race. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman informed the committee that auctioning 5G spectrum requires freeing up available frequencies. However, the critical 2600 MHz prime spectrum remains entangled in litigation. “Whenever one High Court rules in the government’s favor, the opposing party takes the matter to another High Court,” added the IT Secretary. Officials from the Ministry of IT confirmed that spectrum-related cases remain pending in court owing to litigation involving Sun TV. An unexpected twist unfolded when the committee pressed officials to reveal who owns Sun TV, a party in the spectrum litigation. Neither the IT Ministry nor PTA could answer. Committee members rebuked officials for ignorance until journalist Kalbe Ali, present in the room, disclosed that Sun TV is owned by businessman Aqeel Karim Dhedhi. Senator Afnanullah remarked, “Everyone in the media knows this, but government officials are too scared to say his name.” The committee suggested summoning Dhedhi in future proceedings. The IT and Telecom Secretary noted that the federal government has already devised a strategy to expedite case proceedings and that the Frequency Allocation Board (FAB) has petitioned the courts for early hearings. Still, senators expressed frustration that the issue has lingered unresolved for years. Senator Afnanullah pressed officials on why a negotiated settlement had not been pursued with the contesting party, while the Committee Chairperson stressed that the government must urgently approach courts to ensure timely hearings. The committee has summoned Frequency Allocation Board officials to its next meeting for further briefing on the stalled spectrum auction.