The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication is set to reconvene on May 7, 2025, in Islamabad, to examine critical issues shaping Pakistan’s digital future. Key points on the agenda include the proposed formation of a crypto regulatory council and the controversy surrounding the launch of the country’s first indigenous generative AI platform, “Zahanat AI.”
This meeting follows a formal notice issued by the Senate Secretariat and will be chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan.
Zahanat AI Launch Sparks Confusion
Among the top concerns is the public rollout of “Zahanat AI,” a generative AI tool introduced by the IT Minister. However, conflicting statements have emerged, with the CEO of the National Information Technology Board (NITB) denying its official launch. The committee is expected to address this discrepancy and seek clarity from the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MoIT&T) regarding the tool’s status and the ministry’s communication protocols.
Crypto Council’s Future Under Discussion
The proposed crypto regulatory council is another central topic. The committee aims to evaluate its current status, purpose, and the roadmap for establishing a legal structure around cryptocurrency operations in Pakistan.
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AI Regulation Bill and Broader Digital Policies
The “Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill, 2024,” introduced by Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, will also come under review. Initially tabled in the Senate in September 2023, the bill seeks to define ethical and legal boundaries for the development and deployment of AI technologies in the country.
The meeting will also assess the implementation progress of the recently passed Digital Nation Pakistan Act, 2025, a law designed to fast-track digital transformation and IT adoption nationwide.
Telecom Licensing and Investment Insights
Officials from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Ministry of IT&T will brief the committee on updates regarding the renewal of Long Distance International (LDI) and Fixed Line Local (FLL) telecom licenses.
Spotlight on Investment and IT Industry Growth
The Senate panel will further explore Pakistan’s engagement in the Digital Development Investment Forum (DDIF), particularly focusing on international collaborations and new growth avenues for local tech firms.
Finally, a detailed report on registered IT companies listed with PASHA and PSEB will be reviewed, including revenue figures from the past year to gauge the sector’s financial performance.
