Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Syed Amin ul Haq, convened its 9th meeting today, highlighting issues with PTCL’s property disclosures and ongoing internet disruptions. The committee expressed dissatisfaction with PTCL’s non-compliance in providing a property list and discussed Etisalat’s outstanding payments. It also reviewed the impact of damaged submarine cables on the country’s internet infrastructure.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the committee directed PTCL to present a complete property list at the next meeting, noting that the Privatization Commission oversees the Sales and Purchase Agreement. The committee also addressed Etisalat’s failure to complete its payment obligations despite receiving property titles. A special committee, including the Finance Minister, has been formed to resolve this issue, with findings to be shared in the upcoming meeting. Furthermore, the committee requested the presence of the Minister and Secretary of Law and Justice to provide their insights.

Persistent internet issues were another focal point of the meeting. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) reported significant disruptions due to damaged submarine cables and emphasized the inadequacy of the current spectrum allocation. A planned 5G spectrum auction in April aims to alleviate these problems. Despite PTA’s substantial contributions to the exchequer, the Chairman criticized the lack of government investment in telecom infrastructure. The introduction of four new submarine cables is anticipated to improve internet connectivity and bolster the digital economy.