Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoITT) provided a detailed update to the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT & Telecom today, covering key developments in telecom regulation, spectrum management, digital content oversight, and strategic collaborations. Officials highlighted ongoing issues with Long Distance and International (LDI) operators, spectrum scarcity affecting 5G rollout, and proposed regulatory changes related to online content, including the potential formation of a Digital Media Authority. The briefing also included insights into consumer complaints, National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC) restructuring, and international technology partnerships.
On the matter of LDI operator liabilities, the committee strongly recommended that PTA ensure all pending dues are cleared. PTA noted compliance challenges due to ongoing legal proceedings. Earlier enforcement and renewal orders issued on July 18 and July 21, 2025, respectively, required licensees to settle dues, but operators obtained restraining orders from Sindh High Court and Islamabad High Court. Wateen Telecom has paid principal outstanding amounts, including Rs. 2.05 billion for the Universal Service Fund, though it continues to contest late payment fees in court. PTA indicated that unresolved cases may transfer to the newly established Telecommunication Appellate Tribunal, aiming to streamline dispute resolution.
The committee also examined a regulatory debate between the Social Media Regulatory Authority under PECA 2025 and the proposed Digital Media Authority under the Prevention of Obscenity & Indecency Bill. While SMRA holds broad powers for online safety, fake news, and platform enlistment, the proposed DMA is focused on morality-based content regulation and lacks independent technical enforcement, relying on PTA support. National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) raised concerns that DMA could create administrative overlap since obscenity issues are already addressed under SMRA. NCCIA recommended consolidating oversight under a single authority to improve regulatory efficiency and reduce fragmentation.
Infrastructure challenges remain a key focus for PTA. Spectrum scarcity continues to impact Pakistan’s telecom sector, with only 274 MHz available versus an expected 600 MHz, delaying the 5G spectrum auction to Q1 2026. Telecom operators also face operational difficulties from frequent fibre cuts and power outages, requiring costly multi-layer backup systems. PTA highlighted strategic partnerships with global technology firms to support digital growth. Huawei has signed an MoU to train 300,000 youth in AI and cloud computing, Google is collaborating on AI initiatives and government official training, China has established 24 MoUs to boost technological cooperation, and ZTE proposed establishing its eighth global training centre in Pakistan.
On internal reforms, NTC clarified that workforce adjustments are part of a rightsizing plan rather than layoffs, with a 28% natural reduction already achieved. PTA shared that between July 2024 and June 2025, over 169,000 consumer complaints were received through its CMS. While Pakistan Citizen Portal satisfaction stands at 85%, internet services satisfaction remains around 53%. To address this, PTA has established Zonal Offices in 12 cities, including Gilgit and Gwadar, to handle complaints locally and improve service delivery. The briefing underscores ongoing efforts by PTA and MoITT to strengthen regulatory compliance, expand connectivity, and enhance digital infrastructure across Pakistan.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
