News Detail
Event Title: Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Chairperson Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament Lodges Islamabad
Event Date: 2025-12-09
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication was held today at Parliament Lodges, Islamabad. The meeting commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran and was presided over by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan. The meeting was attended by Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Senator Sadia Abbasi and Senator Atta-ur-Rehman.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication briefed the Committee on a Point of Public Importance raised by Senator Atta-ur-Rehman regarding the alleged closure of mobile services in District Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as raised during the Senate sitting held on November 13, 2025. The Ministry informed that, according to available records, no mobile or telecom services are currently suspended in the area of Behram Khel, Tajori Road, Lakki Marwat. However, they stated that specific Point of Contact (PoC) details could be shared with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to identify and resolve any area-specific issue. It was further informed that, as per the established mechanism, the Ministry of Interior processes service suspension requests and issues directions to PTA for implementation through concerned telecom operators. The Chairperson directed the concerned authorities to switch to solar-powered solutions to ensure uninterrupted telecom services during load shedding and ordered the immediate repair of non-functional telecom towers.
The Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication briefed the Committee on the rising cost of mobile data and call packages and the measures taken to protect consumer rights. The Committee was informed that, in comparison with regional countries, Pakistan currently offers the most affordable data-only mobile broadband services. The Minister emphasized that affordability remains a key indicator of national digital progress.
The Chairman, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), briefed the Committee on the licensing of Virtual Private Network (VPN) services and the procedure for obtaining VPN licenses. The Committee was informed that applicants must be legally registered entities, either as SECP-registered companies or firms, to acquire a Data Class License for providing VPN services. The PTA has issued six Data Class Licenses for the provision of data services, while one entity has been granted permission under its existing license. It was further shared that five out of seven licensees have obtained commencement certificates.
The Secretary Interior and the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad briefed the Committee on the data protection measures being adopted for information collected through the ICT Household Survey App in the absence of comprehensive data protection legislation. The Committee was informed that the survey was initiated under the directives of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to enhance public security and maintain accurate residential records, including information regarding homeowners, tenants, foreign nationals and domestic workers. The survey is being conducted in collaboration with NADRA, and so far 28,594 door-to-door surveys have been completed. The officials also briefed the Committee on the vehicle monitoring system through E-Tags in Islamabad, the data centre and the real-time data security mechanisms. The Chairperson expressed serious concern over reported incidents of leakage and sale of private data of prominent individuals, noting that such breaches increase the vulnerability of citizens to security threats. Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan called for strict action and penalization of NADRA officials found involved in data leakage. He further stressed the need for effective implementation of data protection laws. The Chairperson directed the representatives of NADRA to attend the next meeting to respond to the concerns of the Committee.
The Director General, National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), briefed the Committee regarding allegations of illegal payments amounting to Rs. 1.5 crore per month from illegal call centres, as reported in the media. It was informed that two First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered, one in Lahore and the other in Islamabad. The Chairperson directed that the representatives of FIA be ensured attendance in the next Committee meeting.
The Chairman, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), also informed the Committee regarding the last audit of PTCL, as well as details relating to the Board of Directors of Ufone, including their designations, meeting charges and number of meetings held during the last two years.
The Chief Executive Officer, Universal Service Fund (USF), presented a compliance report on mobile network issues raised by Hon’ble Senators, including concerns in Sukkur–Karachi (M-9/N-5), localities in Balochistan, Tehsil Kharoro Syed (UC Umerkot), Gali Samli (Abbottabad) and District Kashmore. The Chairperson directed that Senator Poonjo Bheel and MNA Ali Jan Mazari be invited to the next meeting for further deliberations.