Intense Parliamentary Debates Over Pakistan’s Internet Challenges

For the second day in a row, slow internet speeds and frequent outages dominated discussions in Pakistan’s National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom. Frustrated parliamentarians challenged government officials, including Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja and Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Maj Gen (R) Hafeezur Rehman, over the worsening internet situation in the country.

The heated session not only highlighted the government’s inability to address internet issues but also raised concerns over the economic and social impacts of internet disruptions.

‘All OK’ Response Sparks Outrage

During the committee meeting, Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja insisted that no complaints had been received from the IT industry regarding internet disruptions. She attributed temporary shutdowns to “security threats” that required urgent actions in specific situations.

However, this explanation was met with sharp criticism, particularly from PPP MNA Sharmila Farooqi. Farooqi questioned the government’s claims and shared her personal experience, saying:

“My husband runs an e-commerce business and has faced significant losses due to slow and unreliable internet. Are we lying, or is the government ignoring the facts?”

She further criticized the government for failing to address the ongoing issues, pointing out that internet outages frequently coincide with political protests.

“Are we fools to attend these meetings only to be told everything is fine when the reality is completely different?” Farooqi said, her frustration evident.

Submarine Cable Damage and Internet Throttling

Adding to the committee’s concerns, PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman revealed that three out of seven submarine cables connecting Pakistan to the global internet were recently damaged. This damage has led to significant disruptions and slowed down internet services nationwide.

Rehman clarified that the PTA blocks internet access only when directed by the federal government, Ministry of Interior, or courts. He assured the committee that these actions had no malicious intent and were executed only under specific instructions.

“Blocking access to the internet remains a legal grey area, which requires clear justification from the relevant ministries,” he added, urging for clarity from the Ministries of Law and Interior.

Economic Impacts of Internet Outages

Committee Chairman Syed Aminul Haque expressed concern over the financial losses caused by internet issues.

“The PTA previously assured us that internet speeds would improve by October 2024. Yet, concerns persist, and these frequent disruptions have cost the country millions of dollars,” Haque stated.

Haque emphasized that unreliable internet has crippled businesses, especially in the e-commerce sector, further straining Pakistan’s struggling economy.

Promises of Improvement: 5G Rollout and Starlink Discussions

Despite the criticism, there were glimmers of hope for the country’s internet infrastructure. PTA Chairman Rehman announced that a 5G spectrum auction is scheduled for April, which could significantly enhance internet speeds and alleviate network congestion.

Minister Khawaja also highlighted ongoing talks with Elon Musk’s Starlink to bring satellite-based internet services to Pakistan. She assured the committee that the government is exploring all avenues to resolve the internet crisis and modernize the country’s digital landscape.

“The introduction of Starlink and 5G technology will address current issues and pave the way for a connected and prosperous digital future,” Khawaja said optimistically.

PTCL Property Management Draws Committee’s Ire

Beyond internet issues, the committee also scrutinized PTCL’s management of its properties. Members expressed dissatisfaction with PTCL’s repeated failure to provide a complete list of its properties and questioned its transparency.

PTCL officials clarified that all property matters are overseen by the Privatisation Commission and require board approval for sales. Additionally, a special committee led by the finance minister has been formed to address these property-related concerns.

The committee requested detailed findings from the special committee in the next meeting and instructed that the sale agreement between PTCL and UAE telecom giant Etisalat be reviewed in detail.

Digital Nation Pakistan Bill Deferred

The much-anticipated ‘Digital Nation Pakistan Bill’ was also on the committee’s agenda but was deferred to the next meeting. Members expressed the need for further deliberation to ensure the bill aligns with the country’s digital goals and safeguards citizens’ rights.

Conclusion: Challenges and the Road Ahead

The fiery debates during the NA committee meeting underscore the critical need for Pakistan to address its internet issues. With businesses suffering losses and millions of citizens relying on the internet for their daily lives, a swift and effective resolution is imperative.

Promises of 5G technology and Starlink offer hope, but the government’s ability to deliver remains under scrutiny. For now, the road to a digitally connected Pakistan seems riddled with challenges, but one thing is clear—the demand for change has never been louder.