(By Quratulain Khalid)
As of February 24, 2026, Pakistan stands on the brink of a digital revolution. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has confirmed the long-awaited 5G spectrum auction for March 10, marking a pivotal step in upgrading the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure. Simultaneously, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is gearing up to launch 5G services from the same date, with trial operations set to commence shortly thereafter. This development comes amid swirling reports of a major policy reversal: the permanent shutdown of a controversial social media monitoring firewall installed in 2024, which critics argue wasted billions of rupees and hampered internet speeds. While official confirmation remains elusive, sources link this move to preparations for the 5G rollout, aiming to eliminate network disruptions and foster investor confidence.
In a country where over 200 million mobile users grapple with inconsistent connectivity, the shift to 5G promises ultra-fast speeds—potentially up to 25 times faster than current 4G networks—enabling innovations in the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, remote healthcare, and education. Yet, this leap forward is not without challenges. Affordability concerns, the risk of widening the digital divide between urban and rural areas, and lingering security vulnerabilities in data infrastructure loom large. Adding to the intrigue, the alleged firewall dismantling has sparked debates on government accountability, with opposition parties like Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanding transparency over the Rs40 billion expenditure.
This article delves into the key details of the 5G rollout, the significance of these advancements, the firewall controversy, and the broader implications for Pakistan’s economy, society, and security. As Lahore, a bustling hub of tech startups and freelancers, anticipates these changes, the stakes couldn’t be higher for bridging Pakistan’s digital gaps and positioning it competitively in the global tech arena.
Key Facts and Timeline of the 5G Rollout
The PTA’s announcement has injected fresh momentum into Pakistan’s telecom sector. The spectrum auction, scheduled for March 10, 2026, will offer 597 MHz across multiple bands: 700 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz. This multi-round electronic clock auction format ensures a competitive bidding process, with existing operators mandated to secure at least 100 MHz each. Prospective bidders must submit applications by February 27, accompanied by a $15 million bank guarantee, underscoring the high financial barriers to entry.
Post-auction, commercial 5G services are expected to roll out in federal and provincial capitals within three to six months, targeting mid-2026 for broader availability. The projected revenue from the auction ranges from $300 million to $700 million, which could provide a much-needed boost to Pakistan’s fiscal coffers amid economic pressures. PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman has emphasized that no changes to the schedule are anticipated, highlighting the urgency to meet public demand for better internet.
In a parallel development, AJK Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore announced on February 24 that 5G services would launch in the region starting March 10, with trials beginning soon. He described this as a “historic milestone” for digital transformation, particularly benefiting youth integration, e-health, e-governance, and education in remote areas. Separate auctions for AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan are planned shortly after the national rollout, ensuring these regions aren’t left behind.
Complementing the infrastructure push, the Ministry of Industries is advocating for 5G-compatible devices to enter the market concurrently, anticipating a surge in demand once spectrum is allocated. This timeline aligns with global trends, where over 100 countries have already deployed 5G, positioning Pakistan to catch up and leverage advanced mobile networks for economic growth.
Significance and Potential Benefits
The advent of 5G in Pakistan is more than a technological upgrade; it’s a catalyst for economic and societal transformation. With speeds capable of revolutionizing data transfer, 5G will support emerging technologies like IoT, where everyday devices communicate seamlessly, paving the way for smart agriculture in Punjab’s farmlands or efficient traffic management in Lahore’s congested streets.
Economically, the rollout could significantly enhance Pakistan’s digital economy, which already contributes substantially to GDP through IT exports and freelancing. The PTA estimates that improved connectivity will attract foreign investment, create jobs in tech and services sectors, and boost sectors like e-commerce and fintech. In a nation where the youth bulge demands 2.5-3 million new jobs annually, 5G could unlock opportunities in digital services, aligning with the “Digital Pakistan” vision.
A key enabler in this narrative is the reported shutdown of the 2024 social media firewall. Installed to monitor and regulate online content, the system allegedly cost Rs40 billion but led to widespread internet slowdowns, instability, and disruptions—particularly affecting freelancers and IT businesses. Officials have reportedly dismantled it to restore network stability, eliminate compatibility issues, and ensure low-latency performance essential for 5G. Users have noted gradual speed improvements in recent days, though inconsistencies persist nationwide.
This policy shift, if confirmed, removes a major bottleneck, allowing Pakistan to focus on building a robust digital infrastructure without the drag of outdated monitoring tools.
The Firewall Shutdown: A Major Policy Reversal
The firewall saga has dominated headlines in late February 2026. Reports indicate that the government permanently shut down the national system after it failed to integrate with telecom infrastructure and achieve its regulatory goals. Costing approximately Rs40 billion, the project was criticized for causing economic losses estimated in hundreds of millions of dollars through slowed internet, which hampered digital exports and remote work.
The decision is widely linked to the upcoming 5G auction, with sources claiming it was scrapped to prevent further disruptions and maintain investor trust. However, telecom operators and PTA officials have pushed back, asserting that the Web Management System—a routine regulatory tool—remains operational and that shutdown claims are “baseless.” Ministries of IT & Telecom and Interior have stayed silent, fueling speculation and calls for transparency.
Opposition figures, including PTI’s Sheikh Waqas Akram, have lambasted the project as “agenda-driven” and a waste of public funds, demanding accountability. In the Senate, Senator Kamran Murtaza questioned who would bear the financial loss, highlighting broader concerns over fiscal mismanagement. This controversy echoes global debates on internet governance, where tools like China’s “Great Firewall” balance control with connectivity, but Pakistan’s experience underscores the risks of overreach.
Broader Implications
From an economic perspective, the 5G rollout combined with the firewall removal could supercharge innovation. Startups in Lahore’s tech hubs might thrive on faster connectivity, fostering e-commerce growth and attracting global players. However, societal concerns about the digital divide persist: Will rural areas in Punjab or Sindh benefit equally, or will urban centers like Karachi and Islamabad monopolize the gains? Affordability of 5G devices and data plans remains a barrier, potentially exacerbating inequalities.
Security risks are another critical angle. Transitioning from heavy monitoring to open 5G networks heightens vulnerabilities to cyberattacks and data breaches. Geopolitical dependencies on foreign tech suppliers could expose infrastructure to espionage, necessitating robust cybersecurity policies.
Additional discussions include environmental impacts—such as energy consumption from new towers—and gender inclusion, ensuring women in remote AJK regions access digital tools for education and entrepreneurship. Compared to neighbors like India, which rolled out 5G earlier, Pakistan’s delayed but strategic approach could leapfrog challenges if executed inclusively.
Balanced Perspectives
Optimists, including government officials, view the 5G push and firewall adjustments as pragmatic steps toward digital sovereignty and enhanced service quality. PTA’s Amer Shahzad has stressed the auction’s role in joining the global 5G club, promising better connectivity for all.
Critics, however, point to past inefficiencies: Telecom operators warned against rushing without addressing 4G gaps, and media outlets highlight the firewall’s fiscal waste as symptomatic of poor planning. Rights groups, per Freedom House reports, worry about lingering censorship under amended cybercrime laws.
Factually, the auction is on track, but the firewall’s status awaits official clarity, underscoring the need for transparent governance.
Conclusion
As Pakistan hurtles toward its 5G era with the March 10 auction and AJK’s imminent launch, the reported firewall shutdown represents a critical pivot—clearing technical hurdles while igniting debates on accountability. Success here could propel economic revival, bridge societal divides, and secure a digital future. Yet, failure to address affordability, security, and inclusion risks repeating past mistakes.
Readers from Pakistan and beyond should monitor developments closely, advocate for equitable policies, and prepare for how 5G might reshape daily life—from faster streaming to innovative businesses. If executed well, this could firmly establish Pakistan in the global digital landscape, turning aspirations into reality.
