The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, chaired by Syed Aminul Haque, convened on Tuesday to review nationwide internet connectivity issues, progress on the Islamabad IT Park, and the government’s ongoing efforts to expand digital infrastructure across Pakistan.
During the session, the committee was briefed on the persistent submarine cable fault near Yemen that has disrupted connectivity in the region. The committee also discussed plans for new submarine cables, with the IT Secretary confirming that two additional systems will be connected within the next 15 months.
Islamabad IT Park 80% Complete
Officials from the Ministry of IT briefed the committee on the Islamabad IT Park project, noting that 80% of the work has been completed. The Project Director stated that construction is progressing rapidly, although the official deadline of October 31 has already lapsed.
Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima said that despite multiple changes in Korean project directors over the past 18 months, work remains ongoing. “This project is being developed and financed by the Koreans,” she said, acknowledging repeated challenges faced during construction.
She confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an inquiry into the project’s delays, emphasizing that the government is seeking a middle ground to ensure completion. “If this project runs into further disputes, it will affect similar IT park projects planned for other cities,” she warned.
Shaza Fatima added that while there are legal implications if the Islamabad IT Park remains incomplete, efforts are being made to continue working with the Korean company. “Even if they withdraw, we have a backup plan,” she assured.
The minister requested that the media refrain from speculation until the project reaches completion, saying she had even proposed holding this session in camera due to ongoing legal sensitivities.
e-Rozgar Centers
Minister Shaza Fatima informed the committee that the IT Ministry is establishing Special Technology Parks across the country, including a women’s technology park recently launched in Bagh, Azad Kashmir. She said the ministry has already set up 50 e-Rozgar centers to provide co-working spaces for freelancers and young professionals.
She also highlighted key policy reforms, noting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had abolished Right of Way charges, which had been significantly higher in Pakistan than in other regional countries. The National Highway Authority (NHA), federal departments, and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) have all removed these charges, creating an ecosystem to support fiberization. “Our goal is to connect 60 percent of the country’s telecom towers with fiber,” she said.
Poor Mobile[1] and Internet Service
Members of the committee expressed strong criticism over poor mobile and internet services, particularly in smaller towns. MNA Engineer Rana Atiq said that IT infrastructure should not be limited to Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, while MNA Zulfiqar Bhatti complained that his constituency has neither mobile signals nor internet access.
“Our entire focus is on just five or six cities. What about the rest of Pakistan? Don’t our children deserve the same access?” Bhatti asked emotionally, adding that government officials rarely address service complaints.
Shaza Fatima responded that the Universal Service Fund has conducted two surveys in those regions, but Rana Atiq said he did not trust the results. “They visit, conduct a survey, and always report that everything is fine,” he remarked.
The minister attributed the connectivity issues to spectrum congestion, noting that “the entire country is running on just 274 MHz.” She said that without additional spectrum, expanding tower infrastructure will make little difference.
She confirmed that the government aims to hold the next spectrum auction by January or February 2026, and that an international consultant has already submitted its report. However, she acknowledged that several spectrum-related cases are pending in court, delaying progress.
MNA Threatens to Leave Meetings
The session also saw tense moments as MNA Zulfiqar Bhatti clashed with Minister Shaza Fatima, expressing dissatisfaction with her responses. “There are no mobile signals in my home, and when I raise the issue, the minister scolds us,” he said, threatening to boycott future meetings.
Committee Chairman Aminul Haque intervened, requesting Bhatti to remain in the session, after which he withdrew his walkout attempt.
The committee also reviewed the agenda related to the sale and purchase of PTCL properties, which was moved to an in-camera session. Meanwhile, discussion on MNA Shahida Rehmani’s proposed Digital Media 2025 Bill, focusing on curbing obscenity on social media, was deferred due to her absence.
At the end of the session, the committee decided to summon the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to the next meeting for a detailed briefing on the country’s ongoing connectivity problems.