A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat was held here at the Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Rana Mehmood-ul-Hassan, where multiple key national matters came under detailed discussion.
The Committee reviewed the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, presented earlier by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on behalf of the Minister Incharge of the Cabinet Secretariat, according to a statement issued by the Senate Secretariat here on Tuesday.
Following a thorough discussion, the Committee decided to invite officials from the Ministry of Information Technology and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in the next meeting for further deliberation.
During the session, the Deputy Administrator of the Abandonment Properties Organization (APO) provided a briefing on the body’s structure and mandate. APO, established under the Abandoned Properties (Management) Act, 1975, is responsible for managing assets left behind by Pakistani citizens who migrated to Bangladesh after December 16, 1971.
It was revealed that the APO had deposited Rs48.232 billion, while an additional Rs1.186 billion is expected in the next fiscal year. The Committee requested a comprehensive list of properties held and auctioned by APO, including their locations, for review in the upcoming meeting.
The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) updated the Committee on the status of the 5G rollout plan. He stated that an American consultancy firm was hired in November 2024 to assist with the auction process.
However, unresolved challenges, including ongoing litigation, have caused a delay. The Committee was informed that unless these legal issues are addressed, the 5G spectrum auction will fail to attract meaningful market interest.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also presented its report on the Pakistan Super League (PSL), highlighting the league’s technological advancements during its landmark 10th season.
Key developments include the introduction of AI-powered auto no-ball detection, Urdu commentary for every match, and strict timing protocols for reviews and innings.
The PSL has reportedly attracted over 1.1 billion live-streaming views across digital platforms in Pakistan after just 11 matches. The Committee recommended using public spaces and schools to create cricket opportunities for youth in collaboration with relevant departments.
Lastly, the Committee discussed the composition of the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) Board. While Senate nominations were received in June and September 2024, National Assembly nominations came later in April 2025, causing delays in board finalization. The Committee was assured that the board will be notified after summary approval.
The meeting was attended by Senators Saleem Mandviwalla, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Saadia Abbasi, Anusha Rahman Ahmed Khan, Atta-Ur-Rehman, Amir Waliuddin Chishti, and senior officials from relevant ministries and departments.