NA committee takes PTA to task over poor internet services, financial loss

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology has once again postponed the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill to the next meeting.

The committee also expressed displeasure and concerns on the ongoing internet issues and financial losses amounting to millions of dollars. It voiced displeasure over PTCL’s failure to provide the list of properties. The Standing Committee of the National Assembly on Information Technology & Telecommunication was presided over by Chairman Syed Aminul Haq here at the Parliament Lodges on Thursday.

The committee stated that it was previously informed by the PTA that the internet situation would improve by October 2024. However, concerns persist causing financial losses amounting to millions of dollars. The chairman PTA briefed the committee that three out of seven submarine cables had been damaged, leading to significant internet disruptions. He also explained that the PTA enforces internet shutdowns based on directions from the federal government, the Ministry of Interior, and Honorable Courts during law & order situations. He assured the committee that the PTA has no malicious intentions and that all actions are taken to address the country’s prevailing circumstances responsibly. The current allocation of 270 MHz spectrum is insufficient for the country’s population of 240 million, resulting in network choking issues, he added. However, he announced that a 5G spectrum auction is planned for April, which will significantly improve the internet situation.

The PTA chairman highlighted that over the past six years, the PTA has contributed PKR1,700 billion to the exchequer from the telecom sector. However, he expressed disappointment over the lack of government investment in infrastructure improvement and development. He also informed the committee that four new submarine cables are being introduced, which will further enhance the country’s internet performance. They are expected to address current connectivity challenges and support the growth of digital economy.

During the meeting, the opposition leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub said that the losses due to the internet shutdown run into millions of dollars, besides we are getting internet at the lowest speed. He expressed skepticism about the government’s promise to improve internet speed by October 31. He also questioned the intentions of PTA and other stakeholders, suggesting that their actions, including the use of VPNs and other services, are not in good faith. In her response, Minister of State Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the issues were temporary and have been resolved, and the government was addressing them on priority.

Annoyed with the minister’s answers, Sharmila Farooqi said that she was disappointed as four meetings have resulted in finding no solution. “Are we lying or is the government doing so, we are not being told about the losses, whereas P@SHA is giving the numbers of the loss,” she said. Farooqi said the internet is shut down every time Tehreek-e-Insaf calls for the protest. “Are we fools who leave all the work and attend committee proceedings only to be told that the situation is hunky-dory.”

The committee expressed displeasure over PTCL’s failure to provide a list of properties sold or purchased. Consequently, it directed the submission of a complete property list in the next meeting. The PTCL, referring to a clause in the Sales and Purchase Agreement, stated that it retains the right to buy and sell properties. However, it was noted that since 2007, no practical action has been taken beyond the agreement itself.

The committee was informed that the Privatization Commission serves as the custodian of PTCL’s Sales and Purchase Agreement and oversees all related matters. Additionally, it was clarified that PTCL cannot sell any property without prior approval from its board. Etisalat has yet to make 33pc of its payments, despite the government transferring property titles to it.

Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated that a special committee, led by the finance minister and including all stakeholders, has been formed to address this issue. The committee directed that the findings of this special committee be presented in the next meeting. Additionally, it was instructed that the sales and purchase agreement of PTCL with Etisalat be shared to examine its clauses. It further instructed that the Minister and Secretary of Law & Justice be invited to the next meeting to present their perspectives on the issue.