ISLAMABAD:
A parliamentary panel has expressed displeasure over the failure of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) to provide the list of its properties despite clear instructions. It has ordered the company privatized in 2007 to present the list at its next meeting.
The Standing Committee on Information Technology (IT) of the National Assembly met in Parliament on Thursday under the chairmanship of MNA Syed Aminul Haq.
During the meeting, the PTCL, referring to a clause in the Purchase and Sale Agreement, stated that it reserves the right to buy and sell properties.
The committee was informed that the Privatization Commission acts as custodian of the PTCL sale and purchase agreement and supervises all related matters.
Furthermore, it was clarified that PTCL cannot sell any property without prior approval of its board of directors.
Etisalat, which owns a major stake in PTCL, is yet to make 33% of its payments, despite the government transferring ownership titles to it.
Minister of State for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja informed the committee that a special committee, headed by the Finance Minister and comprising all stakeholders, had been formed to address this issue.
The committee directed the minister to present the findings of the special committee at the next meeting for review and resolution. He noted that PTCL’s sale and purchase agreement with Etisalat should also be shared with him.
The committee also ordered that the minister and the secretary of Law and Justice be invited to the next meeting to present their perspectives.
He also deferred discussion on the Pakistan Digital Nation bill. The NA committee will deliberate on the proposed legislation at the next meeting and will receive input from PPP members and other parties.
NA opposition leader Omar Ayub criticized frequent internet shutdowns, allegedly orchestrated by intelligence agencies. He said that due to these Internet outages, the country faces substantial economic losses, amounting to millions of dollars.
He said the government had claimed that the internet problem would be resolved by October 31, but people were still experiencing slow internet speed. He also expressed concern about the misuse of VPNs, which he said are being used against people.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja noted the increase in terrorist incidents and internal security challenges. He claimed that Pakistan exported $1.5 billion last month despite connectivity issues.
He assured the committee that the issues have been resolved and revealed that talks were underway with Starlink to bring satellite internet to Pakistan.
PPP leader Sharmila Farooqi criticized the lack of progress after four meetings, citing significant losses suffered by businesses such as her husband’s e-commerce company.
“Every time the PTI announces a protest, the Internet is cut off. Are we fools if we continue to attend these meetings when no solutions are offered?” she questioned.
Syed Aminul Haq emphasized the importance of uninterrupted and high-speed Internet to boost IT exports to 15 billion dollars. “We must ensure that the Internet is always fast and reliable,” he said.
