Senate IT Committee Cracks Down: Orders Telecom Rules Finalization, Probes Network Failures & Social Media Non-Compliance
koSenate IT Committee Cracks Down: Orders Telecom Rules Finalization, Probes Network Failures & Social Media Non-Compliance
Islamabad, April 30, 2026:
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, has issued firm directives to accelerate long-pending telecom reforms, investigate persistent network outages, and address the lack of cooperation from global social media platforms.
During a comprehensive session, the Committee instructed the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication to finalize the Telecom Competition Rules within one month, stressing their critical role in ensuring a fair and competitive telecom environment. The rules, initially drafted in line with the 2015 policy and in consultation with the Competition Commission of Pakistan, have faced prolonged delays.
The Committee also took serious notice of mobile service disruptions in Lakki Marwat. Despite assurances from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) that services were not formally suspended, lawmakers highlighted ground realities, citing infrastructure theft—including diesel, batteries, and solar panels—as well as power outages as major contributors to network instability. A sub-committee has been formed to investigate outages, motorway blind spots, and propose corrective measures.
To strengthen digital infrastructure, the Committee emphasized expanding Pakistan’s satellite capabilities and directed strict enforcement of PTA’s requirement for 95% tower availability, particularly in underserved regions like Sindh and Balochistan.
Raising concerns over digital governance, the Committee criticized the low compliance rate of X (formerly Twitter), which stands at just 27%. Lawmakers pointed to inconsistent content moderation practices and called for stronger regulatory engagement with international platforms.
On emerging technologies, officials confirmed that Starlink has not yet been granted a license in Pakistan.
The Committee also reviewed ongoing legal challenges related to LDI/LFF licenses and was informed that specialized telecom tribunals are being established to handle such complex cases. The Chairperson directed authorities to expedite the process.
Addressing financial concerns, the Committee noted that Ufone has faced stagnating growth and losses, though recent spectrum investments have helped improve its position. It was clarified that Ufone operates under Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, not directly by the government.
The Committee was further briefed on an ongoing $800 million dispute between Ufone and Etisalat, directing that a joint session with the Senate Standing Committee on Privatization be convened to deliberate the issue.
