August 15, 2024
By: Rana Malhi
ISLAMABAD
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, convened on Thursday at the Kohsar Block, Pak Secretariat, to discuss recent internet service disruptions affecting the country, particularly the e-commerce sector.
Senator Afnan Ullah Khan raised concerns about the potential impact of these unresolved internet issues on Pakistan’s $3 billion IT export sector, especially in the middle of the ongoing economic crisis.
Aisha Humera Chaudhry, Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications, clarified that while broadband services remain stable, mobile data users are facing disruptions. “The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority is currently assessing the situation, and a comprehensive report is expected within two weeks,” she said.
The committee instructed the PTA to present its quarterly survey report at the next meeting.
The committee also addressed a complaint from MNA Ali Jaan Mazari regarding poor internet services in Kashmore in Sindh. Mazari added that the region has been experiencing slow internet speeds for the past four months, despite repeated requests for resolution.
Senator Dr Afnan Ullah Khan also raised the issue of appointing a Secretary of IT from the private sector, amid rumours that the position could be filled for two years with a salary of approximately two million rupees. State Minister for IT, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, responded that the proposal originated from the Establishment Division, and the ministry will provide a detailed briefing on the matter in the coming week.
The committee reviewed ‘The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023’, introduced by Senator Dr Afnan Ullah Khan. He emphasised the need for the bill, citing the lack of existing legislation to protect citizens’ data. Ministry officials reported that consultations with over 100 local and international stakeholders are ongoing, with a final draft expected within 15 days. The committee stressed the importance of expediting the completion of the draft.