The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, chaired by Syed Aminul Haque, met this week to review Pakistan’s digital connectivity landscape, including the progress of ongoing infrastructure projects and the challenges facing nationwide broadband access. During the session, officials provided updates on the persistent submarine cable fault near Yemen that has affected internet connectivity across the region. The committee was informed that two new submarine cable systems are expected to become operational within the next 15 months, a development aimed at improving internet reliability and expanding Pakistan’s digital reach.
The meeting also addressed updates on the Islamabad IT Park project, which officials from the Ministry of IT reported as 80 percent complete. Project Director representatives shared that construction continues to progress, though the initial deadline of October 31 had already passed. Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima noted that despite several changes in Korean project directors during the past 18 months, the work is ongoing as the project is being developed and financed by Korean partners. She confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed an inquiry into the project’s delays, emphasizing the government’s intention to ensure completion through mutual resolution. The minister further clarified that while legal implications exist if the project remains incomplete, contingency measures have been prepared to continue operations even if the Korean firm withdraws.
Shaza Fatima also shared updates on the ministry’s broader digital initiatives, including the establishment of Special Technology Parks and 50 e-Rozgar centers across the country to provide co-working spaces for freelancers and professionals. A women’s technology park has also been launched in Bagh, Azad Kashmir. Highlighting key policy reforms, she explained that Right of Way charges have been abolished to support fiberization, following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Federal departments, including the National Highway Authority and Capital Development Authority, have implemented these changes to reduce operational costs for telecom companies. “Our goal is to connect 60 percent of the country’s telecom towers with fiber,” she stated, noting that such initiatives are critical to expanding digital access and enabling future 5G readiness.
Members of the committee raised concerns regarding poor mobile and internet services, particularly in smaller towns and rural regions. MNA Engineer Rana Atiq pointed out that IT infrastructure remains concentrated in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, leaving other regions underserved. MNA Zulfiqar Bhatti expressed frustration over the lack of connectivity in his constituency, stating that citizens face daily challenges due to unreliable mobile signals and internet coverage. In response, Minister Shaza Fatima attributed the issues to spectrum congestion, stating that Pakistan currently operates on just 274 MHz of spectrum capacity. She announced that the government aims to hold the next spectrum auction by January or February 2026, and that an international consultant has already submitted a comprehensive report to guide the process. However, she acknowledged that several spectrum-related cases pending in court have delayed progress.
Tensions briefly arose during the session when MNA Zulfiqar Bhatti criticized the ministry’s response to connectivity issues and threatened to boycott future meetings, though Committee Chairman Aminul Haque intervened to de-escalate the situation. The committee also deferred discussion on MNA Shahida Rehmani’s proposed Digital Media 2025 Bill due to her absence and agreed to move the agenda on PTCL property sales to a closed session. Before adjourning, members decided to summon PTA for a detailed briefing on nationwide connectivity challenges in the next meeting, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to communication services across all regions.
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