ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication on Tuesday showed serious concerns related to data protection, mobile connectivity, telecom service continuity, and alleged illegal activities in the digital sector.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, reviewed multiple issues affecting the country’s telecom and information technology landscape, with a focus on consumer rights, security, and regulatory oversight.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication briefed the committee on a Point of Public Importance raised by Senator Atta-ur-Rehman regarding the alleged suspension of mobile services in District Lakki Marwat.
The ministry clarified that no mobile or telecom services were currently suspended in the Behram Khel and Tajori Road areas. It was explained that service suspension requests are processed by the Ministry of Interior and implemented through the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. The Chairperson directed the concerned departments to install solar-powered solutions to ensure uninterrupted telecom services during load shedding and ordered the immediate repair of non-functional mobile towers.
The committee was also briefed on the increasing cost of mobile data and call packages. The federal minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication informed the members that Pakistan continues to offer the most affordable mobile broadband data services in the region, emphasizing that affordability remains a key indicator of national digital progress.
The chairman, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, briefed the committee on the licensing framework for Virtual Private Network services, explaining that only legally registered entities are eligible to obtain Data Class Licenses. The committee was informed that six Data Class Licenses have been issued, while one entity has been allowed to operate under an existing license, and that five licensees have received commencement certificates.
Briefing the committee on data protection in the absence of comprehensive legislation, the secretary Interior and the deputy commissioner Islamabad shared details of the ICT Household Survey App. The survey, initiated under the directives of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, aims to improve public security and maintain accurate residential records. It was informed that 28,594 door-to-door surveys have so far been completed in coordination with NADRA. The Chairperson expressed serious concern over reported incidents of leakage and sale of personal data, while Senator Dr. AfnanUllah Khan called for strict action against NADRA officials involved in any data breaches. The committee directed NADRA representatives to appear in the next meeting to address these concerns.
The Director General, National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency, briefed the committee on media reports regarding alleged illegal payments from unlawful call centres, informing that FIRs have been registered in Lahore and Islamabad. The chairperson directed that representatives of the FIA be ensured attendance in the next committee meeting.
The PTA chairman also informed the committee about the last audit of PTCL and shared details regarding the Board of Directors of Ufone, including their designations and meetings held over the past two years.
Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of the Universal Service Fund presented a compliance report on mobile network issues raised by members of Parliament in various regions, including the Sukkur–Karachi (M-9/N-5) corridor, parts of Balochistan, Tehsil Kharoro Syed in Umerkot, GaliSamli in Abbottabad, and District Kashmore. The Chairperson directed that concerned parliamentarians be invited to the next meeting for further deliberations.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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