The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications expressed serious concerns over the recent slowdown in internet services across Pakistan. The committee, led by Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, met on Thursday to address the issue, which has significantly impacted e-commerce businesses and other online activities.
Senator Afnan Ullah highlighted the severe economic implications, warning that unresolved internet issues could lead to a loss of $3 billion in IT sector exports. The committee members, including Senator Humayun, noted that the slowdown has led to the departure of several e-commerce platforms from the country and caused issues with media file transfers on platforms like WhatsApp.
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The Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications, Aisha Humera Chaudhry, explained that while broadband connections are not affected, mobile data services are experiencing disruptions. PTA officials mentioned that they had not received formal complaints about slow internet speeds. The ministry is conducting an assessment, with a comprehensive report expected in two weeks.
Additionally, MNA Ali Jaan Mazari raised concerns about persistently poor internet service in Kashmore, which has been ongoing for the past four months. The PTA acknowledged issues with unannounced load shedding affecting internet services and promised a report within the next 15 days. The committee also requested the PTA to submit its quarterly survey report at the next meeting.
Senator Afnan Ullah Khan proposed appointing a Secretary for IT from the private sector, citing rumors of a two-year term with a salary of around Rs. 20 lac. State Minister for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, confirmed that the Establishment Division has moved forward with the proposal and promised a detailed briefing in the upcoming week.
The committee also discussed “The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023,” which aims to safeguard citizen data. Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, the bill’s proponent, emphasized the need for legal protection of personal data. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications is working on a final draft after consulting over 100 stakeholders, with completion expected in fifteen days.
The Virtual University was also reviewed during the meeting. Rector Arshad Saleem Bhatti highlighted the university’s achievements, including pioneering the flipped classroom model in 2002 and offering affordable education. Virtual University charges Rs. 150,000 for a complete BS program and provides 400 free courses, generating Rs. 7.25 billion in revenue without burdening the public exchequer.
In addition, the committee discussed the ongoing dispute between the PTA and LDI license holders regarding Access Promotion Contribution for the Universal Service Fund. The PTA had issued notices about non-renewal of licenses due to unpaid arrears, leading to a stay order from the Sindh High Court. State Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja mentioned that the PTA is seeking legal resolution with the Attorney General of Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by Senators Anusha Rahman Ahmed Khan, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, Gurdeep Singh, and other senior officials from relevant departments.
