The Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication expressed serious dissatisfaction with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Tuesday, citing the poor quality and limited availability of internet services nationwide and ordering immediate measures for improvement.
During its 18th meeting, held under the chairmanship of MNA Syed Amin ul Haq, the committee noted a stark contrast between the PTA’s satisfactory service reports and the inadequate, often non-existent, internet access experienced by the public.
To enhance accountability and streamline issue resolution, the panel instructed the PTA to nominate one dedicated officer from each of its twelve zonal offices. These officials will be tasked with maintaining continuous coordination with committee members to ensure public complaints are addressed promptly.
The committee also turned its attention to the much-anticipated 5G spectrum auction, stressing that the process must be transparent, fair, and adhere to all legal and regulatory frameworks. It reiterated previous directives that the auction be conducted in Pakistani Rupees and that spectrum prices remain reasonable. Any concessions granted to telecom operators must be strictly linked to tangible network and infrastructure enhancements.
Concern was also voiced over the repeated absence of the Director General of the Special Communications Organization (SCO). The committee directed the official to appear in person at the next session for a direct briefing, leading to the deferral of the SCO-related agenda item.
In a more positive assessment, the National Information Technology Board (NITB) received praise for its commendable performance. The panel described its projects as being in the national interest and urged for their continued consistency and commitment. In a move towards modernization, the committee also mandated that all its future proceedings be processed through the e-Office system for fully paperless meetings.
The session also addressed the “Prevention of Obscenity and Indecency in Digital Media Bill, 2025,” introduced by MNA Shahida Rehmani. After the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) pointed out that existing provisions under the PECA Act already cover such offenses, making a new law potentially duplicative, MNA Rehmani withdrew the bill. The panel then advised members to consult with the NCCIA to identify any gaps in the current cybercrime framework.
The meeting was attended by several MNAs, including Ahmad Atteeq Anwar, Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, and Sharmila Sahiba Faruqi Hashaam, alongside officials from the ministry and its associated departments.