Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has revealed that it blocked approximately 4 million SIM cards over the past six months due to various reasons. This disclosure came during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, chaired by Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmad.
In the meeting, the PTA Chairman provided insights into the authority’s oversight, which extends to 2,000 licensees spanning various sectors. These licensees serve 191 million mobile users and 127 million broadband subscribers across the country. He emphasized the need for streamlining fiberization processes to address ongoing challenges.
Committee member Senator Mushtaq Ahmed raised critical concerns related to cybersecurity, the presence of unlawful content on social media platforms, individual privacy, and consumer rights. The chair requested written recommendations from the committee to address these issues effectively.
The meeting also featured discussions with officials from the Naya Pakistan Housing Authority, where an emphasis was placed on ensuring proper maintenance and transparency in their operations. The committee expressed its commitment to supporting the authority in achieving its goals and overcoming financial constraints.
Furthermore, the committee delved into the issue of “Kunda culture” in Karachi, exploring ways to address this challenge, along with improper billing and taxation issues related to electricity bills. The Director-General of the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) shed light on the legal context of these levies and proposed efforts to curb malpractices in distribution companies for future deliberations.
The meeting concluded with discussions on a public safety campaign aimed at preventing cylinder blasts. Officials from the Oil & Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) briefed the committee about the awareness campaign. The chair stressed the importance of public awareness and urged OGRA, the Law Ministry, and the Cabinet Division to expedite the legislative process to enhance citizen safety.
