ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology has once again postponed the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill till the next session.
The committee also expressed dismay and concern over the ongoing internet problems and the financial losses of millions of dollars. He expressed his displeasure over PTCL’s failure to provide a list of properties. On Thursday, the meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication was held at the Parliament Lodges under the chairmanship of Syed Aminul Haq.
The committee said that the PTA had earlier said that the internet situation would improve by October 2024. However, concerns persist, causing financial losses of millions of dollars. Chairman PTA briefed the committee that three of the seven submarine cables have been damaged, causing significant disruption to the internet. He also explained that PTA enforces internet shutdown during law and order situation based on the directives of Federal Government, Ministry of Home Affairs and Hon’ble Courts. He assured the committee that PTA has no nefarious intentions and all steps are taken responsibly to deal with the current situation in the country. He added that the current allocation of 270 MHz spectrum is insufficient for the country’s population of 240 million, resulting in network bottlenecks. However, he announced that there are plans to auction 5G spectrum in April, which will significantly improve the internet situation.
The PTA Chairman highlighted that in the last six years, PTA has contributed Rs 1,700 billion to the exchequer from the telecom sector. However, he expressed dismay at the lack of government investment in infrastructure improvement and development. He also informed the committee that four new submarine cables are being introduced which will further enhance the country’s internet performance. They are expected to solve the current connectivity challenges and help in the growth of the digital economy.
During the meeting, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Umar Ayub, said that millions of dollars are lost due to internet shutdown, besides we are getting internet at the lowest speed. He expressed doubts about the government’s promise to improve internet speed by October 31. He also questioned the intentions of the PTA and other stakeholders, saying that their actions, including the use of VPNs and other services, were not in good faith. In her response, Minister of State Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that the problems are temporary and have been solved, the government is solving them on priority basis.
Annoyed by the minister’s responses, Sharmila Farooqui said that she was disappointed as four meetings did not result in any solution. “Are we lying or is the government doing this, we are not being told about the losses, while P@SHA is giving the numbers of the losses,” he said. Farooqui said that whenever Tehreek-e-Insaf calls for protest, the internet is shut down. “Are we fools who leave all the work and come to the committee proceedings only to say that the situation is bad?”
The committee expressed dismay at PTCL’s failure to provide the list of properties sold or purchased. Therefore, it was directed to present the complete list of property in the next meeting. PTCL, citing a clause in the sales and purchase agreement, said it retained the right to buy and sell the properties. However, it was noted that since 2007, no practical steps have been taken beyond the agreement itself.
The Committee was informed that the Privatization Commission acts as the custodian of PTCL’s Sales and Purchase Agreement and oversees all related matters. Further, it was clarified that PTCL cannot sell any property without the prior approval of its board. Despite the government transferring the property titles, Etisalat is yet to pay 33 percent of its dues.
Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that a special committee consisting of all stakeholders has been formed under the chairmanship of the finance minister to solve this problem. The committee directed that the results of this special committee should be presented in the next meeting. Further, it was directed that the sale and purchase agreement of PTCL be shared with Etisalat for scrutiny of its provisions. He further directed that the Minister and Secretary Law and Justice be invited to the next meeting to present their views on the matter.