ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday the government was keen to draw on global expertise as it prepares to move ahead with next-generation digital connectivity, holding talks with Sweden’s Ericsson at a time when Islamabad plans to auction 5G spectrum in the coming weeks.

Last month, Pakistan’s information technology minister said the government was aiming to hold its long-delayed 5G spectrum auction by late January or early February to pave the way for the country’s first rollout of 5G services.

The prime minister discussed the role of next-generation digital connectivity in supporting economic growth, productivity and public service delivery during talks with an Ericsson delegation led by Patrick Johansson, the company’s president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the prime minister’s office said.

“Pakistan is interested in benefiting from Ericsson’s global experience in advanced networks, including 5G, and remains committed to developing secure and sustainable information technology infrastructure in line with national needs,” Sharif said, according to the statement.

The government has said expanding digital connectivity is central to its broader economic agenda, which includes improving financial inclusion, promoting cashless payments and strengthening disaster preparedness through technology.

The statement said Ericsson’s delegation welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to improve its telecom infrastructure, including plans for the 5G spectrum auction.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, IT minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and senior government officials.