Telecom & digital sectors: Senate panel expresses serious concerns over governance, accountability

ISLAMABAD: Serious concerns over governance and accountability in the telecom and digital sectors came under sharp scrutiny on Monday as the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology expressed alarm over hefty dollar-denominated fees paid to Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) board members, ongoing corruption cases within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and persistent weaknesses in national data security frameworks.

Chaired by Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, the Committee was informed that PTCL board members receive up to USD 8,000 per board meeting, despite the company facing sustained financial pressures. Senators questioned how serving government officials could lawfully draw such payments, recalling that the Prime Minister had earlier directed that no public office holder should receive more than Rs 1 million in meeting-related remuneration and that any excess amount must be returned to the national exchequer.

The Committee sought clarification on whether any such recoveries had taken place and directed the Law Division to submit the relevant policy framework.

The meeting also examined a major FIA corruption case involving Rs 150 million per month, with officials confirming that 13 officers (BS-16 to BS-19) had been convicted. However, only Rs 15 million has been recovered so far, drawing criticism from senators over delays and the absence of a clear timeline for case finalization. FIA officials further disclosed that 271 officers were penalized internally over the past year, raising broader questions about institutional integrity.

On data protection, officials from National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) briefed the Committee on security measures, but lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction, particularly over past data breaches involving sensitive personal information. Senator Afnan Ullah Khan warned that Pakistani citizens’ data was reportedly available on the dark web at nominal prices and recommended a third-party forensic audit of NADRA. The Committee decided to summon the NADRA Chairman in the next meeting for a detailed briefing.

Meanwhile, concerns over illegal call centres and cybercrime were discussed, with FIA officials clarifying that while call centres are not illegal per se, unregistered entities are often involved in fraud. The Committee also reviewed weak internet connectivity, directing the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to submit a detailed report on cellular coverage, particularly along the Peshawar Motorway.

Briefing the Committee on digital governance, the Chairman of the Pakistan Digital Authority emphasized that personal data belongs to the individual and must not be shared without consent, adding that artificial intelligence requires clear regulation and oversight. Senators across party lines underscored the need for stronger legislation to protect citizens’ data and restore public trust in digital institutions.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026