During a session of the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, officials highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive framework to safeguard citizens’ digital information.
The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) clarified that no telecom-related data had surfaced on the dark web in the last two years. However, he confirmed that other types of sensitive data had been leaked online, stressing the importance of immediate action.
He revealed that PTA had already conducted an internal inquiry in 2022, while the Ministry of Interior had also initiated a formal investigation to trace the sources of the breaches.
Senators Raise Concerns Over Data Theft
Senator Afnan Ullah Khan pointed out that hackers often steal information from individual institutions, later compiling and selling it. The committee chairperson also shared a personal experience of receiving a fraudulent bank call, raising fears over fraudsters’ easy access to private data.
Members expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in tabling the personal data protection law. The MoIT assured the committee that a draft had been finalized and stakeholder consultations were underway. Senator Afnan Ullah warned that further delays could put the country at greater risk of cyber threats.
Telecom Services and Financial Disputes
The committee also discussed the recovery of more than Rs6 billion in tariffs charged from telecom consumers. The matter has now been referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), with PTA confirming that all necessary documents have been submitted for audit.
Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto raised concerns over deteriorating mobile services, citing frequent call drops and the lack of even 2G coverage along the Karachi–Sukkur Motorway. He demanded urgent steps to improve connectivity.
Ufone–Telenor Merger and 5G Auction Plans
Officials from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) informed the committee that the long-awaited Ufone–Telenor merger was in its final stages and likely to be concluded within two weeks. However, Senator Kamran Murtaza questioned whether the timeline was realistic given repeated delays.
Meanwhile, the MoIT confirmed that Pakistan’s first 5G spectrum auction will take place in December. The PTA Chairman added that the authority was ready to proceed, though certain pending issues still needed resolution.
