The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, chaired by Syed Aminul Haque, met on Tuesday to discuss internet connectivity issues, the progress of the Islamabad IT Park, and the government’s digital infrastructure initiatives across the country.
During the meeting, officials briefed members on the submarine cable fault near Yemen that continues to affect regional connectivity. The IT Secretary informed the committee that two new submarine cable systems are expected to be added within the next 15 months to strengthen Pakistan’s network.
Officials from the Ministry of IT reported that construction of the Islamabad IT Park is nearly 80% complete, though the October 31 deadline has already passed.
Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima said that despite several changes in Korean project directors, work is still ongoing under Korean funding and management.
She noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an inquiry into project delays, stressing that the government is working 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 even if the Korean company withdraws, a backup plan is in place. She also requested that the media avoid speculation until legal and operational issues are resolved.
The minister informed the committee that the IT Ministry has launched several Special Technology Parks, including one for women in Bagh, Azad Kashmir. She said 50 e-Rozgar centers have been established to provide co-working spaces for freelancers and youth.
She further highlighted key policy reforms, including the removal of Right of Way charges by the Prime Minister. The move, she said, has encouraged fiberization, intending to connect 60% of telecom towers across Pakistan to fiber networks.
Committee members voiced strong criticism over poor internet and mobile services, especially in smaller towns. MNA Engineer Rana Atiq said that IT infrastructure remains focused on major cities, while MNA Zulfiqar Bhatti complained that his area lacks both mobile signals and internet coverage. “Our entire focus is on just five or six cities. What about the rest of Pakistan?” he asked.
The minister attributed the issue to spectrum congestion, explaining that “the entire country is running on just 274 MHz.” She said the government plans to hold a new spectrum auction by early 2026, but noted that several court cases are delaying progress.
Tensions rose when MNA Zulfiqar Bhatti accused the minister of dismissing his concerns and threatened to boycott future meetings. Committee Chairman Aminul Haque intervened and persuaded him to stay.
The session also discussed matters related to PTCL property transactions in a closed session, while debate on the proposed Digital Media 2025 Bill was deferred due to the mover’s absence.
In conclusion, the committee decided to summon the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in its next meeting for a detailed briefing on nationwide connectivity challenges.