The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Syed Aminul Haque, expressed serious concerns over deteriorating internet connectivity and poor telecom services across Pakistan, questioning the lack of progress despite repeated discussions over the past two and a half years.
During the meeting, committee members criticised telecom operators and relevant authorities for failing to address persistent network issues, particularly in rural areas, and demanded immediate measures to improve service quality.
Committee member Ahmed Ateeq said elected representatives were facing increasing public pressure over poor internet connectivity, as citizens continued to demand answers about unreliable services.
“From my constituency to Karachi, the network is not functioning properly. After every committee meeting, the network situation seems to deteriorate further,” he remarked.
He questioned why the authorities had failed to identify the root causes of the problems despite discussing them for two and a half years.
Ahmed Ateeq also demanded details of how many areas had received fibre-optic connectivity during this period.
Committee member Asiya Ishaq raised concerns over the quality of mobile internet services, claiming that even 4G connectivity had been affected following the introduction of 5G services.
She questioned whether lawmakers would have to approach the Supreme Court to seek improvements in substandard telecom services.
Other committee members highlighted connectivity problems in major cities and rural areas, noting that WhatsApp calls frequently disconnect even in Islamabad, while some rural regions struggle to access basic 3G services.
A committee member pointed out that 3G services were not functioning properly in Thatta, questioning the authorities’ focus on introducing 5G technology while existing networks remained unreliable.
The committee chairman noted that 5G services were being introduced in Karachi but stressed that improving existing telecom infrastructure was equally important.
PTA warns telecom operators of show-cause notices
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman informed the committee that the authority had visited 41 districts alongside telecom operators to assess network performance and identify service-related problems.
He said telecom companies had been directed to improve their services, warning that show-cause notices would be issued if they failed to comply.
However, the PTA chairman pointed out that telecom operators frequently obtain court stay orders against penalties imposed by the regulator, creating challenges for enforcement.
He also identified electricity load-shedding as a major factor affecting telecom services across the country.
Representatives of telecom companies acknowledged the challenges facing the sector, saying that ongoing measures would gradually lead to improvements in network performance.
They also highlighted the theft of generators as another obstacle affecting the uninterrupted provision of telecom services.
Meanwhile, the IT secretary informed the committee that internet upload and download speeds had improved over the past two years.
Shaza Fatima defends government’s telecom improvement efforts
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja acknowledged the frustration expressed by committee members but maintained that telecom services were gradually improving.
She urged lawmakers to submit their recommendations regarding telecom policy to help address connectivity challenges more effectively.
The minister also pointed out that telecom coverage gaps exist in several countries, including the United States, where mobile services are not available on certain highways.
Despite the government’s assurances, committee members continued to express dissatisfaction over the pace of improvements.
Chairman Syed Aminul Haque appreciated the PTA’s efforts to improve telecom services but emphasised that there should be no compromise on service quality.
Committee reviews PDA amendment bill
Separately, the committee discussed the proposed PDA Amendment Bill.
The law secretary informed members that detailed consultations had been held with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) regarding the legislation.
He expressed the intention to secure approval of the bill during the committee’s next meeting.
However, committee chairman Syed Aminul Haque directed the relevant authorities to complete the consultation process before moving forward with its approval.
The meeting concluded with renewed calls for stronger regulatory oversight, improved telecom infrastructure and effective measures to ensure reliable internet and mobile connectivity across Pakistan.
