Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication convened in Islamabad, addressing multiple issues from internet disruptions affecting e-commerce to the draft of a new data protection bill aimed at safeguarding citizen data.
According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting chaired by Senator Palwasha Muhammad Zai Khan took place at the Kohsar Block, Pak-Secretariat. Discussions included the impact of internet issues on the IT sector, with Senator Afnan Ullah warning that unresolved connectivity could lead to substantial financial losses. Aisha Humera Chaudhry, Secretary for the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications, indicated that while broadband connections remain stable, mobile data services have encountered significant disruptions.
The committee also reviewed complaints about inadequate internet service in Kashmore, with commitments to assess the situation and produce a report within the next 15 days. The appointment of a new Secretary IT from the private sector was discussed, along with details about a proposed salary and appointment duration.
Highlighting legislative efforts, the committee discussed “The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023,” spearheaded by Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan. This bill is seen as crucial for the protection of citizen data, with the ministry nearing the completion of a draft after consulting over 100 stakeholders.
In addition, the meeting covered the operational success of Virtual University, which was described as a pioneer in offering affordable, quality education through a flipped classroom model since 2002. The discussion also turned to disputes over LDI/FLL licenses and the non-renewal of these licenses due to unpaid dues, which has led to a legal standoff.
The session highlighted ongoing efforts and challenges in enhancing Pakistan’s IT infrastructure and regulatory framework, ensuring it supports both economic growth and data security.