Press Release Title: Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Chairperson Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad.

Press Release Date: 25th August, 2025

The meeting of Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, convened today in Islamabad and review the recent increase of 15% tariff quarterly of Jazz, PTA Rules, taxation policy on online business and location/mapping of towers installed by USF.   The meeting was attended by Senators Nadeem Ahmed Bhutoo, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Dr. Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, Syed Kazim Ali Shah, Saifullah Sarwar Kha Nyazee and Gurdeep Singh.   During the briefing, the Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the Committee that Jazz increased its tariff by 15% on a quarterly basis under Rule 26 of the PTA Rules, which permits the leading operator to raise its rates within a specified limit. He assured the Committee that PTA is committed to facilitating telecom operators in conducting their business in Pakistan. The Chairman also shared that in 2024, Jazz and Telenor recorded profits, while Zong and Ufone operated at a loss.   The Chairperson of the Committee expressed concern over the provision of substandard telecom services to consumers across various parts of the country. Explaining the issue, the Chairman PTA pointed out that a long-pending sub judice case on spectrum allocation, unresolved since 1995, remains a major hurdle for the telecom sector’s growth. Members of the Committee expressed serious reservations over this prolonged delay and called for an urgent resolution. The Chairperson directed the concerned authorities to present a concrete solution in the next meeting and summoned the Attorney General, Frequency Allocation Board, PEMRA, and FBR for further deliberations.   Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto raised grave concerns regarding the non-availability of cellular networks in interior Sindh during prolonged load shedding, noting that cellular companies lack backup facilities to continue services during such hours. Other members endorsed these concerns and stressed the need for PTA to ensure smooth and uninterrupted telecom services, particularly in far-flung and underserved areas.   The Committee also reviewed the taxation regime on online businesses. The Chairperson criticized the heavy taxes imposed by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on e-commerce and emphasized the importance of providing relief to the digital community. She highlighted that Pakistan’s online industry largely consists of small entrepreneurs and young innovators who must be encouraged and facilitated to grow.   The Committee further discussed recent social media claims by an Egyptian Member of Parliament, who alleged her appointment to an advisory experts’ group on shaping Pakistan’s AI policy. The Secretary, Ministry of Information Technology & Telecommunication, clarified that the post in question appeared to be fake and no such official appointment was ever offered. The Chairperson directed the Ministry to investigate the matter thoroughly and present a report in the next meeting.   While briefing the Committee on the Universal Service Fund (USF), officials informed that 4,206 USF sites are currently operational across Pakistan. The USF installation map was presented in detail, outlining the services provided nationwide. The Chairperson noted that 22 USF towers are operational in Gwadar but emphasized the need to expand coverage further. Members also highlighted several other locations lacking telecom infrastructure and directed USF to install the required equipment to ensure seamless connectivity across the country.