Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunications Shiza Fatima announced that Pakistan will hold its long-awaited auction for the 5G spectrum in April 2025. This announcement was made during a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan.
During the briefing, Fatima assured the committee that the government was addressing the issues related to IT infrastructure. She also confirmed that amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PICA) are under review to address concerns related to fake news and online misinformation. However, she clarified that these measures were not intended to limit access to the internet.
Responding to concerns about internet shutdowns, Fatima emphasized that the government had no intention of disrupting the internet unless required for national security purposes. She assured the committee that the internet in Pakistan was functioning normally.
Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan expressed concerns about the persistent disruptions to the internet, particularly in the IT sector. Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeez-ur-Rehman responded, stating that there was no government policy to intentionally slow down internet services.
The PTA Chairman also announced that the new licensing process for VPN services would begin on January 1, 2025, which has raised concerns in Pakistan’s IT industry. Sajjad Syed, Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (PASHA), highlighted the negative impact of internet slowdowns on the IT sector, which relies heavily on stable and fast internet connections. He also stressed the need for stronger regulations around VPN services to ensure data security and reduce the reliance on foreign VPN providers.
The PTA, together with industry leaders, is committed to ensuring Pakistan’s digital economy grows in a secure and efficient manner. Efforts will continue to balance national security with the need for a robust digital infrastructure that supports business and consumer needs.
