The Committee considered the Government Bill titled 'The Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) (Amendment) Bill, 2025', which was introduced by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister for Law & Justice, on behalf of the Minister Incharge of Cabinet Secretariat during the Senate sitting held on 24th January, 2025. Following a comprehensive discussion on the Bill, the Chairman Committee recommended that representatives from the Ministry of Information Technology (IT) and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs be invited in next meeting for further deliberation.
The deputy Administrator of the Abandonment Properties Organization (APO) briefed the Committee on the organizational structure and functions of the Administrator APO. During the discussion, Committee members inquired about payment previously discussed. In response, the deputy administrator informed that APO has already deposited an amount of Rs. 48.232 billion, while the remaining Rs. 1.186 billion is expected to be deposited in the next fiscal year. Furthermore, a detailed presentation was given on the functions of APO. The Deputy administrator stated that the APO is an autonomous body which was established on 12th February, 1975 under the Abandoned Properties (Management) Act, 1975 (Act XX of 1975), to mandate and administer the properties (movable and immovable) abandoned by former citizens of Pakistan who migrated to Bangladesh on or after 16th December, 1971. Additionally, they added that It's functions under the supervision of a nine member Board of Trustees (BoT), constituted by the Federal Government from time to time. The Chairman Committee recommended to provide complete details of the property owned by the APO and auction till date and aslo indicating the location of that property that is currently in its possession in the next meeting.
The Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and his team briefed the Committee on the 5G Services Rollout Plan across Pakistan. He informed the Committee that an American consultancy firm had been hired to facilitate in 5G services in November 20, 2024, to facilitate in the auction process. The auction scheduled in april could not take place because of few challenges identified by consultant and till those challenges are resolved the said auction will not receive good response from the Market. Hence, there is a delay in the process. Following the comprehensive discussion, the Committee was briefed that one of the primary issues was long standing litigation that is being pending and until the issue is resolved proper auction of 5G can not take place.
The Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) briefed on Pakistan Super League (PSL) Performance, Financials and Expansion Plans that PSL is under six teams. Moreover, they informed that As Habib Bank Limited (HBL) PSL marks its 10th season in 2025, the league has gone beyond thrilling cricket by delivering technological upgrades, global cricketing icons, and a digital revolution raising the bar for T20 leagues worldwide. For the first time in PSL history, fans have access to live Urdu commentary for every match via official platforms. Additionally, they briefed advanced match control systems have been introduced for the first time in PSL, enhancing fairness and speed of decisions. Auto No-Ball Detection Front-foot no-balls are now automatically detected using Al-backed tech. Innings & DRS. Strict monitoring of innings and review timings improves game flow and discipline. Empowered with real-time alerts and decision aids, reducing delays and human error. During the course of discussion, they further briefed that this firmly positions PSL as one of the most-watched T20 leagues globally in the digital age. Early data from PSL Live streaming partner reflects unprecedented, 1.1 billion + views across live streaming platforms in Pakistan after 11 matches. The Chairman Committee recommended that opportunities should be identified and created for children, so that they can take part in cricket and this can be carried out by collaboration with the relevant government departments and Schools and also utilizing public spaces like public parks.
The Committee was informed that the ERRA's board include representatives from Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan (NA). The nomination from Senate were received in June and September of Senators Hidayatullah Khan and Danesh kumar respectively. However, the nomination from NA were received in April 2025. Therefore, there is being delay and once the summary has been approved the same will be notified.
The meeting was attended by Senators Saleem Mandviwalla, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Saadia Abbasi, Anusha Rahman Ahmed Khan, Atta-Ur-Rehman, Amir Waliuddin Chishti and Senior management from Ministry/relevant departments.