Chairman of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, Syed Amin ul Haque, criticized mobile network operators for poor connectivity and frequent call drops, stating that telecom companies have turned into money-making machines while quality of service continues to decline. Speaking during a committee meeting, Haque directed PTA to enforce stricter quality standards and ensure improved digital access for citizens across the country.
Addressing the state of connectivity in Balochistan, Haque emphasized that residents of the province have as much right to digital services as those in other parts of the country. He acknowledged that security challenges persist in the region but urged that a detailed and coordinated strategy be developed to determine which districts can reliably receive broadband and mobile network access. He said the Ministry of IT must collaborate with the Ministry of Interior, security agencies, PTA, and elected representatives to ensure equitable digital inclusion despite the security concerns in some areas.
During the session, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja presented a detailed breakdown of the ministry’s budget utilization. She provided updates on several ongoing initiatives, including the Islamabad IT Park and the One Patient One ID healthcare digitization project.
In response to the complaints raised, Haque instructed the Ministry of IT to immediately convene a meeting focused on Balochistan’s digital connectivity challenges and submit a comprehensive report. The discussion highlighted that service disruptions in specific areas, such as Panjgur, are directly linked to security assessments.
PTA officials informed the committee that internet services in Panjgur had been suspended following a recommendation from the Ministry of Interior, based on concerns about the region’s security situation. However, the Secretary of Interior clarified that the ministry only issues recommendations and not binding directives, stating that a letter had been sent to the provincial government outlining the concerns.
Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja noted that any decisions regarding restoration or continuation of services must be made after reviewing the security agencies’ stance. She reiterated that the ministry is committed to improving access while working within the limitations imposed by national security considerations.
The committee session also addressed broader issues of telecom performance and public dissatisfaction. With service quality becoming a growing concern in both urban and rural areas, pressure is mounting on regulators and policymakers to enforce more rigorous standards across the board. Stakeholders emphasized the need for more transparent collaboration between ministries and local authorities to ensure that digital infrastructure development does not leave underserved regions behind.
