Islamabad, 14th July, 2026; The 23rd meeting of the Standing Committee on Information Technology & Telecommunication was held today under the Chairmanship of Syed Amin ul Haq, MNA at 2:00 p.m. in Constitution Room, Parliament House, Islamabad.

The Committee expressed serious concern over the unsatisfactory state of internet services in the country, noting that poor connectivity is affecting not only remote areas but also major cities such as Karachi. The Committee observed that users frequently experience slow internet speeds and repeated call connection failures despite multiple attempts. PTA briefed the Committee that the total available spectrum in the country previously stood at 274 MHz; however, following the 5G spectrum auction, it has increased to 754 MHz, significantly enhancing network capacity. They informed the Committee that this development is expected to provide considerable relief to consumers and that internet services across the country will gradually improve in the coming months. The Chairman PTA further informed the Committee that under the first phase of the 5G rollout, telecom operators have already launched 5G services in 22 cities. At this stage, no new infrastructure has yet been deployed; instead, 5G services have been enabled on the existing mobile towers and network infrastructure. He added that new 5G infrastructure will be deployed gradually in subsequent phases, which will further improve the quality and speed of internet services across the country in 6 to 8 months. 

 

The Committee observed that one of the major challenges affecting the quality of mobile and broadband services is the shortage of electricity for basic telecommunications infrastructure. The Committee noted that prolonged power outages adversely affect the performance of mobile towers, resulting in poor internet connectivity and disruptions in mobile services for consumers. In response, the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the Committee that in certain areas, load shedding of up to 10 hours a day significantly impacts telecom services. He said that the matter has been taken up with NEPRA and the relevant Distribution Companies (DISCOs), which have been brought on board to address the issue. He further stated that the Prime Minister has also constituted a high-level committee to devise a sustainable solution for ensuring an uninterrupted power supply to telecom towers so that reliable and timely telecommunication services can be provided to the public. The Committee proposed that alternative energy sources, particularly wind energy, should be utilized to power telecom infrastructure, noting that Pakistan possesses a significant wind corridor with considerable potential. The Committee further recommended that the Ministry direct telecom operators to gradually install renewable energy infrastructure, including wind and solar power systems, at telecom sites. Such measures would not only reduce dependence on diesel and help prevent diesel theft but would also encourage private sector investment in developing a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient telecommunications infrastructure.

 

The Committee sought a briefing on the taxes imposed on imported mobile phones. During the briefing, the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the Committee that approximately 92% of smartphones currently being used in Pakistan are manufactured or assembled locally, while only 8% are imported, primarily including Apple iPhones and Google Pixel devices. He stated that most other mobile phone brands are assembled within Pakistan and, therefore, are not subject to import duties, whereas taxes are applicable only to imported mobile phones. The Committee directed the Ministry to encourage Apple and other leading global smartphone manufacturers to establish local manufacturing or assembly facilities in Pakistan. Such initiatives would make smartphones more affordable for consumers, promote domestic investment, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the country's economic growth. The Chairman PTA further clarified that the taxes levied on imported mobile phones are not collected by the PTA. Instead, these taxes are deposited into the account of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Once the applicable taxes have been paid, the PTA only registers and whitelists the device through its Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS), enabling its lawful use within Pakistan.

 

 

The Committee took up the Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for consideration. During the deliberations, members belonging to the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) expressed their reservations, stating that the proposed amendments had not yet been discussed with the Parliamentary Legislative Committee of the Party. The Committee observed that it has consistently upheld democratic norms and traditions by ensuring that legislation is enacted through broad-based consultation, consensus-building, and the inclusion of all political stakeholders. However, in the case of the present bill, no meaningful consultative process has so far been undertaken with the relevant political parties and stakeholders. Accordingly, the Committee decided to defer “The Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill, 2026” till its next meeting, with the direction that the consultation process with all relevant political parties and stakeholders be completed. The bill may thereafter be re-submitted before the Committee for further consideration and appropriate recommendations.

 

 

The following MNAs namely, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Rana Iradat Sharif Khan, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Mr. Sadiq Ali Memon, Mr. Ahmad Saleem Siddiqui, Ms. Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui, Mr. Pullain Baloch, besides the officials of the Ministry and its attached departments attended the meeting.

 

 -Sd/-

(MALIK NAEEM SHAFI)

Staff Officer/ Secretary Committee