A meeting of the National Assembly’s Subcommittee on Information Technology was held under the convenership of Sher Ali Arbab, with members Umair Khan Niazi, Mahesh Kumar, and Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti in attendance. The session focused on multiple ongoing issues in the telecom sector, particularly the delays in launching 5G services and unresolved Long Distance International (LDI) license matters.
During the session, the committee was given a briefing on LDI-related cases, which have remained a point of contention due to regulatory and operational hurdles. In response, the subcommittee directed concerned authorities to present a comprehensive report on the issue in the upcoming session. Sher Ali Arbab stressed the need for broad-based stakeholder consultation to ensure that all viewpoints are taken into account. He specifically noted that he wishes to hear directly from the nine blocked LDI companies, which have been under scrutiny in recent regulatory actions.
However, representatives from the Law and Justice Division advised that while stakeholder engagement is essential, it should be structured to maintain the committee’s focus. They recommended that invitations be extended to stakeholders from across the political spectrum, but not in the form of pressure groups or large delegations. To preserve the session’s order and effectiveness, the convener ruled that only two representatives per stakeholder group should be invited to future discussions.
The subcommittee has also summoned a detailed briefing on the current status of the 4G and 5G spectrum in Pakistan. Members voiced concern over continued delays in the auctioning process, citing the importance of advanced spectrum availability for national digital development. They emphasized that barriers to progress must be clearly identified and addressed to prevent further setbacks in expanding mobile broadband services.
In view of the urgency, the committee directed that stakeholders from companies involved in spectrum planning and rollout be invited to share their insights and challenges. The subcommittee also called for the presence of the Chairman of PTA and the Secretary of the Ministry of IT in the next session to provide clarity on their respective roles, current timelines, and regulatory strategies concerning the spectrum auction.
The discussion reflects growing frustration over stalled progress in high-speed mobile connectivity, which has implications for digital transformation efforts and economic competitiveness. The committee’s active involvement underscores the significance being placed on accelerating telecom reforms and creating a transparent, collaborative environment for stakeholders to engage in shaping the sector’s future.
