The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom held multiple briefings on Tuesday to review key issues affecting Pakistan’s digital and telecom landscape. The session focused on public complaints regarding rising mobile internet package prices, recurring network shutdowns in Lakki Marwat, and ongoing corruption inquiries involving officers of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. Senior government officials and regulators were asked to explain policy decisions, service disruptions, and governance practices amid growing concerns over affordability, connectivity, and transparency.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima informed the committee that while some telecom companies have increased mobile internet package prices, Pakistan continues to offer among the lowest internet costs in the region. She stated that the average mobile user spends between Rs. 250 and Rs. 280 per month, and the country’s average revenue per user remains below one dollar, compared to nearly four dollars in many other markets. The minister emphasized that activating mobile packages on users’ phones without their consent is unacceptable and violates consumer trust. She added that the government is preparing for a 5G spectrum auction and is working to strengthen the telecom sector so revenues and tax contributions improve while safeguarding citizens’ rights. PTA Chairman supported this view, telling lawmakers that the cheapest available mobile package costs Rs. 147, while users paying between Rs. 1300 and Rs. 1500 receive sufficient data for monthly needs. He shared that telecom sector revenues grew by 16 percent in 2024, despite inflation reaching around 50 percent, and noted that service quality is expected to improve after the spectrum auction, which is likely to take place within the next two months.
The committee also examined frequent mobile service disruptions in Lakki Marwat, where residents experience prolonged shutdowns even after relatively minor incidents. Senator Maulana Atta ur Rehman raised concerns that such suspensions leave the public without basic communication facilities. He also highlighted that electricity outages often result in immediate tower shutdowns because operators lack fuel for generators. Responding to these concerns, PTA Chairman said that of the 217 mobile towers in the district, nine were currently offline, three of which have been restored, while six remain shut due to security threats. Minister Shaza Fatima acknowledged that service suspensions pose challenges for the government as well, explaining that the Interior Ministry issues directives for shutdowns. She stressed that telecom companies are required to provide at least eight hours of backup power and failing to do so is unacceptable. The minister added that efforts are underway to transition towers to solar energy, confirming that 3,585 USF supported towers across the country have already been solarized.
In a separate briefing, officials updated the committee on corruption inquiries involving NCCIA officers. Two FIRs have been registered, one in Lahore and another in Islamabad, naming a total of 18 officers from grades 16 to 18. Authorities informed lawmakers that no new corruption cases have surfaced since the current administration assumed office. FIA reported that Rs. 425 million has been recovered in one of the cases, and the committee summoned FIA officials to present further progress in the next meeting. Lawmakers also reviewed the list of PTCL and Ufone board members, questioning why sitting parliamentarians, including Senator Anusha Rahman, are serving on these boards. Senator Afnan Ullah pointed out that a female government officer currently sits on five different boards, prompting concerns over the criteria used for appointments across state owned enterprises.
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