Amid fears of significant financial losses, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) faced criticism from the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications for failing to address the slowdown of internet services in Pakistan.
The committee, chaired by Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, convened on Thursday to discuss the issue.
The Senate Committee highlighted the recent internet disruptions affecting the country, which are causing substantial challenges for individuals running e-commerce businesses.
Senator Afnan Ullah warned that the ongoing economic crisis could be exacerbated if the internet issues persist, potentially jeopardizing $3 billion in IT sector exports.
Committee members, including Senators Afnan Ullah and Humayun, expressed concerns over the departure of several e-commerce platforms from Pakistan due to inadequate internet speeds.
Users have reported difficulties in uploading or downloading media files on platforms like WhatsApp, according to Senator Afnan Ullah Khan.
Senator Humayun criticized the PTA and IT ministry officials, stating, “You people have ruined the business activities.” In response, the IT Secretary clarified that the internet service issues are primarily related to cellular networks, not WiFi services. Meanwhile, a PTA official claimed they had not received any complaints about slow internet speeds.
Aisha Humera Chaudhry, Secretary for the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications, explained that while broadband connections remain unaffected, mobile operators using mobile data are experiencing disruptions. The PTA is currently assessing the issue, and the ministry expects to provide a comprehensive overview within two weeks.
The committee also addressed a complaint from MNA Ali Jaan Mazari regarding poor internet service in Kashmore. Mazari reported that internet services have been sluggish for the past four months, with no action taken despite multiple requests.
PTA officials noted that around 156 sites of three major service providers in the area are affected, primarily due to unannounced load shedding. The PTA is investigating the issue and plans to submit a report within 15 days. The committee also requested the PTA to present its quarterly survey report at the next meeting.
Senator Afnan Ullah Khan raised the issue of appointing a Secretary IT from the private sector, noting rumors of a two-year appointment with a salary of approximately Rs. 20 lac. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, State Minister for IT, stated that the proposal originated from the Establishment Division and that the ministry would brief the committee on the matter in the coming week.
Additionally, the committee deliberated on “The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023.” Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the need for legislation to protect citizens’ data, as no such law currently exists. Ministry officials reported that they have consulted over 100 local and international stakeholders and are working on a final draft to address their concerns. The draft is expected to be completed within the next fifteen days. Recognizing the bill’s importance, the committee urged the ministry to expedite the drafting process.
