ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Dr. Umar Saif, revealed on Wednesday that the country is set to conduct a 5G spectrum auction in the “coming months.”
The minister said this during a meeting with PTCL Group President Hatem Bamatraf, where various aspects related to the 5G spectrum auction and telecom services were extensively discussed.
Dr. Saif emphasized that steps are being taken to enhance the provision of quality telecom services, which is expected to result in improved internet and telecommunications services for the masses.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar has already given his approval to multiple measures proposed by Dr. Saif, including a comprehensive policy plan aimed at attracting global platforms like PayPal and Starlink to Pakistan. Earlier this month, the prime minister directed several key ministries and institutions, including the Finance Ministry, State Bank of Pakistan, Ministry of Trade and Commerce, Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR), and Ministry of Energy, to collaborate with the Ministry of IT on this endeavor.
PTCL Group President & CEO Hatem Muhammad Bamatraf called on Caretaker Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Dr Umar Saif in his office on Wednesday.
Matters related to 5G spectrum auction and telecom services were discussed in detail.#MOITT #DrUmarSaif #5g #Internet #broadband pic.twitter.com/3q4G8xJNRQ
— Ministry of IT & Telecom (@MoitOfficial) September 13, 2023
IT Policy Aims to Boost Pakistan’s Digital Exports
The new IT policy aims to boost the country’s digital exports by institutionalizing dollar retention accounts and facilitating the flow of funds through IT corporate debit cards. The government also plans to utilize venture capital to raise investments of up to $1 billion for various startups.
Dr. Saif highlighted Pakistan’s immense potential in the IT sector, stating that the country’s digital exports have the potential to reach $10 billion with the removal of existing hurdles. The policy also seeks to bring international online payment processing platforms like PayPal and Stripe to Pakistan while establishing co-working spaces for 500,000 freelancers, potentially adding $3 billion annually to their income.
Highlighting the significance of cell phone manufacturing in Pakistan, Dr. Saif noted that the country is the seventh-largest market for cell phones globally. Therefore, the ministry intends to incentivize local manufacturing and export of smartphones as part of its broader strategy to boost the IT and telecom sector.
