The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT and Telecom has called the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority PTA Chairman to address recent WhatsApp disruptions and internet slowdowns in the country.
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Committee member Sadiq Ali Memon suggested that the Law and Justice Department outline the appointment procedures, while Mukhtar Ahmed advocated including an arbitration option within the tribunal. The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Law and Justice representatives’ absence and requested details on the tribunal’s appointment procedures for the next meeting.
Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima briefed the committee on the government’s plan to launch 5G technology in the first quarter of 2025.
During the meeting chaired by Syed Amin ul Haq at the Parliament House, discussions also covered the establishment of the Telecommunications Appellate Tribunal. Ministry officials indicated that the tribunal’s creation is underway under the Telecom Act. Once operational, pending High Court cases will be transferred to the Telecom Tribunal. The committee chairman emphasized the need for transparency in tribunal appointments, ensuring that the PTA chairman is selected based on merit.
Committee member Mustafa Kamal highlighted the challenges of legally bringing even $100 into Pakistan and stressed the IT sector’s potential to revive the economy. The IT minister pointed out that smartphones and laptops are essential, noting that taxes have been imposed to curb mobile phone smuggling. She clarified that these taxes are collected by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), not the PTA. The committee chairman opposed taxing mobile phones and laptops and commended the Ministry on the increase in IT exports.
The committee addressed ongoing issues with WhatsApp disruptions, attributing responsibility to the PTA and requesting a briefing on the matter in the next meeting. The committee also recommended a policy change for the 5G launch, with the IT minister noting that work has begun on this initiative. The Ministry has set a target for the first quarter of 2025 for the 5G launch, with consultant shortlisting underway.
The PTA chairman acknowledged the challenges faced by telecom companies with dollar payments and emphasized the importance of facilitating public and business operations through 5G.
He suggested installment-based payments for companies and advised the government to extend 5G to all cities. Haq also noted the global shift towards 5.5G and 6G while Pakistan remains on 4G, advocating for policy changes inspired by models from Singapore, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.
The committee received complete briefings from heads of the Ministry of IT and Telecom’s subsidiary organizations, including the Universal Service Fund, Ignite, Virtual University, and Telecom Foundation, regarding their performance, plans, and achievements.
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