Senate Committee Deliberates on National IT Challenges and Legislative Updates

Islamabad: Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan presided over a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications today at Kohsar Block, Pak-Secretariat.

The Senate Committee brought attention to the recent internet disruptions across the nation, which are impeding real-time operations for those managing e-commerce ventures. Senator Afnan Ullah expressed concern that, given the current severe economic crisis, unresolved internet issues could result in the loss of the country’s $3 billion in IT sector exports.Pakistan’s Fintech Landscape: CCP Approves 100% acquisition of Sadapay by PPR Holding A.S.

Aisha Humera Chaudhry, Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications, clarified that there are no problems with broadband services; however, mobile operators are experiencing disruptions with mobile data. The PTA is investigating the situation and will provide a detailed report once the evaluation is completed in two weeks.

The committee also discussed MNA Ali Jaan Mazari’s complaint about inadequate internet service in Kashmore. MNA Mazari reported that internet speeds have been sluggish for the past four months and, despite numerous requests, no corrective measures have been taken. PTA officials noted that there are approximately 156 sites from three major service providers in the region, and service interruptions are mainly due to unscheduled power outages. The PTA is reviewing the issue and will present its findings in the next 15 days. The committee has instructed the PTA to submit its quarterly survey report at the following meeting.

Senator Afnan Ullah Khan brought up the topic of appointing a Secretary of IT from the private sector. It has been suggested that this position might be filled for a two-year term with a salary around Rs. 20 lac. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, State Minister for IT, mentioned that this proposal is being advanced by the Establishment Division, and the ministry will provide an update to the committee in the upcoming week.

The committee reviewed the “Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023.” Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, the bill’s proponent, explained that the primary aim is to safeguard citizen data as no existing law currently addresses this issue. Ministry officials reported that they have consulted with over 100 local and international stakeholders and are finalizing a draft to address these concerns. The draft is expected to be completed within fifteen days. Given the bill’s significance, the committee urged the ministry to expedite the draft’s completion.

Additionally, the committee received a performance and operations briefing from Virtual University. Rector Arshad Saleem Bhatti highlighted that Virtual University was the first in the country to adopt the flipped classroom model in 2002 to support working students.

 The university is unique in offering high-quality education at a low cost, charging only Rs. 150,000 for the entire BS program and providing 400 free courses. The university generates Rs. 7.25 billion in revenue from fees and services without drawing on government funds.