A parliamentary panel has directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) to provide specific clauses from its sale and purchase agreements that authorize it to sell its assets. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Syed Aminul Haque, expressed strong disapproval over the continued absence of the PTCL CEO during its sessions.
Questioning the legitimacy of PTCL’s property sales worth billions, the committee chairman criticized the CEO’s absence, calling it an insult to the authority of parliament. Despite being summoned repeatedly, the CEO did not appear, with PTCL officials citing his engagement at the UAE embassy. The chairman insisted the CEO be present at the next meeting, stating, “We will not proceed with PTCL matters unless the CEO appears.”
The committee also reconstituted its sub-committee, which will now be led by Gohar Ali Khan, maintaining the same structure and terms of reference.
In another key development, the committee was briefed on the upcoming launch of a secure communication application called “Beep,” a local alternative to WhatsApp, designed for government employees. Officials from the National Information Technology Board (NITB) informed the committee that Beep will offer encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, and conference calling for over 100 participants. The app’s servers will be hosted in Pakistan, ensuring data remains within national boundaries. Secretary IT Zarar Khan added that a final cybersecurity assessment is underway, with the app expected to launch by June 30 in phased rollout.
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Meanwhile, the committee voiced concern over the prolonged internet suspension in Panjgur, Balochistan. Despite a letter from the Ministry of Interior, security agencies have decided to keep the region offline for another six months due to ongoing law and order issues. Committee members criticized the three-year internet outage, highlighting its devastating effects on students and businesses. One member, Pullain Baloch, stated that residents must travel 15–20 kilometers just to access the internet. The committee has directed the PTA chairman to conduct a survey of the area’s internet coverage and submit a detailed report.
The committee also reviewed the delayed launch of Ignite’s Coding and DG Skills Programme. Chairman Haque expressed frustration over the year-long delay, emphasizing the missed opportunities in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. Ignite attributed the delay to content updates aligned with modern technology trends. Despite the setback, officials reported that 4.6 million students had been trained across 19 batches in 15 top freelancing fields, with 28% female participation. A 2024 survey revealed that the program’s trainees generated $1.65 billion in revenue.
