ISLAMABAD – Shaza Fatima, the federal minister for IT and Telecom, has advised the Finance Minister to call the Auction Advisory Committee, aiming to move the 5G spectrum auction, which has been expected for a long time.
Shaza Fatima stated that a formal meeting has been requested by the Ministry of IT. She said that there is no reason for further delay as the federal budget has also been concluded. She further added that the Finance Minister himself is showing interest in the auction.
Moreover, she revealed that a world-class report has been prepared by an international advisor on the 5G auction, which is now under review. The report will be examined by the advisory committee before it delivers its final verdict.
Shaza Fatima stated that the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) needs to evaluate the proposed merger of two telecom companies. She emphasized that the CCP is an independent body, and its decision is pending. Additionally, she noted that the Advisory Committee has already referred the matter to the Commission.
She added that the ongoing judicial proceedings are hindering the Advisory Committee Meeting. She further mentioned that the further proceedings in the auction process will be done after reviewing all the reports by the Advisory Committee.
