Press Release Title: Senator Sadia Abbasi, Convener Sub-Committee of The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House Islamabad.

Press Release Date: 1st July, 2026

Senate Sub-Committee Reviews Measures to Curb Telecom Infrastructure Theft and Ensure Uninterrupted Services The Sub-Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Saadia Abbasi, met today at Parliament House, Islamabad. The meeting was attended by Senator Kamran Murtaza. The Sub-Committee reviewed the implementation status of its previous recommendations regarding the theft of telecom infrastructure and its impact on uninterrupted telecommunication services across the country. Officials informed the Committee that all private telecom operators are regulated under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996. They stated that incidents of theft are primarily reported from areas facing deteriorating law and order conditions, while the rights and obligations of telecom operators are clearly defined in their licensing terms and conditions. During the discussion, officials suggested incorporating stronger contractual obligations requiring telecom companies to adopt enhanced security measures for their infrastructure. It was also proposed that police patrolling be increased in vulnerable areas to help prevent theft. Senator Saadia Abbasi observed that repeated theft of telecom infrastructure is a serious issue requiring legislative intervention and called for bringing such offences under a stronger legal framework. Senator Kamran Murtaza remarked that the financial burden of such thefts is largely borne by private telecom companies and noted that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has not yet initiated legislative proposals to address the issue. Officials informed the Committee that although theft is already punishable under existing laws, telecom companies are often reluctant to register First Information Reports (FIRs), particularly in remote areas, owing to the cumbersome legal process and the absence of local operational offices. The Member (Legal), Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, briefed the Committee on the existing legal framework for ensuring uninterrupted telecom services. The Chairperson directed the Ministry to study international best practices and legal mechanisms adopted by other countries to safeguard telecom infrastructure and maintain uninterrupted services for consumers. PTA officials informed the Committee that telecom operators have been directed to register an FIR for every incident of theft at telecom sites. Senator Kamran Murtaza observed that companies remain reluctant to pursue such cases because of lengthy legal procedures. PTA representatives further explained that any amendment to licensing terms and conditions is itself a lengthy regulatory process. The Chairperson recommended that the Ministry formally approach provincial administrations to facilitate telecom operators in protecting their infrastructure and combating theft in their respective jurisdictions. The Committee also discussed the issue of uninterrupted power supply to telecom towers. The Chairman PTA informed members that all relevant stakeholders, including power distribution companies, have been taken on board and that a multi-stakeholder committee has been constituted to formulate a comprehensive policy for ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to telecom infrastructure. The Director General (Enforcement) informed the Committee that theft incidents vary significantly across operators. It was reported that Ufone and Telenor have not reported any theft cases in Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Turbat and Qilla Abdullah, whereas Jazz and Zong have reported some theft incidents, respectively.   Expressing concern over the disparity in reported cases, Senator Kamran Murtaza questioned why some operators had not reported any theft incidents despite operating in the same areas. The Chairman PTA responded that these regions experience prolonged electricity load-shedding of up to 10–12 hours daily, increasing the vulnerability of telecom infrastructure. Senator Kamran Murtaza emphasized that unless the law and order situation in these areas improves, maintaining stable and reliable telecommunication services will remain a significant challenge.