The process of launching modern 5G services in Pakistan has once again been delayed. Despite approval of the 5G-related summary by the federal cabinet, it has not yet been received by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), preventing progress on the 5G auction and launch. According to PTA sources, the federal cabinet approved the 5G summary on December 25, 2025, but it has not been formally sent to the PTA in the form of a policy directive. After approval, summaries can still be amended; the PTA cannot begin final action until the approved document is received in writing. PTA is currently unaware of the clauses included in the cabinet-approved summary.
Once it is received, the authority will issue an Information Memorandum outlining the rules and regulations, auction terms, and other technical details related to the 5G spectrum auction. Only after the issuance of this memorandum can the spectrum auction process begin.