The Standing Committee on IT and Telecom of the National Assembly, chaired by Aminul Haq, convened to discuss critical issues, including the Personal Data Protection Bill, internet connectivity challenges, and the finalisation of Starlink's licensing in Pakistan. 

Addressing persistent load shedding in Gilgit-Baltistan, the committee suggested utilizing solar power to keep telecom towers operational. “If the towers are powered by solar, at least someone’s phone will work,” remarked Chairman Aminul Haq. 

In response, Special Communications Organisation (SCO) officials indicated that it would take about two years to fully transition to solar energy in the region.

The committee was also briefed on six ongoing SCO projects and the development of two IT parks, with expansion efforts underway in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

The committee chairman urged the Ministry of IT to expedite work on the Personal Data Protection Bill, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding citizens' data. “Bring the bill to the committee for approval soon,” Aminul Haq directed. The secretary of IT assured that consultations with stakeholders are ongoing and the bill will be completed shortly. 

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Additionally, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy draft is ready and will be submitted to the Cabinet for approval by the end of February, according to the IT secretary. He added that the IT wing was looking into the policy. 

Outstanding dues from LDI telecom companies

The committee also reviewed the issue of Long Distance and International (LDI) telecom companies owing billions of rupees from 2008 to 2011. The PTA chairman said cases of LDI companies were pending in courts and outlined three options for recovering dues from these companies:

1. Full payment by the companies deposited in the account.
2. Installment-based recovery.
3. Suspension of licenses.

However, suspending licences could disrupt 50% of ATM services and affect the entire banking infrastructure, the committee noted. The PTA chairman said five companies were ready to pay through installments. The principal amount owed by LDI companies is Rs24 billion, while late payment surcharges exceed Rs50 billion. The committee requested a detailed report on the Telecom Tribunal in the next meeting.

Starlink in Pakistan

The committee expressed frustration over internet issues, particularly in rural areas. Barrister Gohar emphasized the urgency of resolving Starlink licensing. The PTA chairman noted that 90% of negotiations between Starlink and Pakistan's space regulatory body are complete, after which the licence issuance will not take much time. The parliamentary secretary for IT stated that Starlink services are expected to be operational in Pakistan by June this year. 

"Matters with Starlink have almost reached the final stage," he added. The committee chairman said they could issue a directive to complete the Starlink licence issue as soon as possible. 

However, concerns over data security were raised by Ahmed Atiq, who expressed scepticism about Starlink's ability to protect user data. The committee reiterated the importance of the Data Protection Bill to address such concerns.

Internet connectivity issues spark frustration

The PTA chairman claimed that internet speed and connectivity are ensured by laying fibre cables. Committee members voiced strong dissatisfaction with internet connectivity issues across the country. Ahmed Atiq pointed out that internet is not available within 40 kilometres of Lahore, and similar issues persist in other regions.

Sher Ali Arbab criticized the lack of progress, stating, “It’s impossible to run 5G. My phone has been stuck on E for two days.”

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The PTA chairman explained that companies are hesitant to invest in areas with low commercial potential, but the committee insisted that it is PTA’s responsibility to regulate telecom companies and ensure connectivity nationwide. The chairman said they would compel companies to install towers in some places. 

The committee members also expressed displeasure over the PTA chairman’s attitude, emphasizing that regulatory bodies must prioritize public service over corporate interests.