ISLAMABAD – The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, convened on Wednesday at Parliament House to discuss several key issues, including the Personal Data Protection Bill, Starlink operations, and the performance of the Telecom Foundation.
The Committee reviewed the Ministry’s comments on the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023. Additional Secretary of Information Technology and Telecommunication explained that the Cabinet had approved the bill in 2022, but a subsequent change in government delayed its progress. A representative from the Law Ministry added that no bill with financial implications could be introduced without proper consideration. Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, the Bill’s sponsor, expressed dissatisfaction with the delays, stating that consultations have taken too long and the bill should have been approved by now. He emphasized that the bill does not contravene the Constitution and urged the Law Ministry to communicate clearly regarding its stance on the Bill. Senator Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan also emphasized the need for strong data protection measures.
Following detailed discussions, the Committee agreed to hold a special session dedicated to the Personal Data Protection Bill with representatives from the Law and Justice Division to further discuss and finalize the matter.
The Committee also received an update on Starlink’s operations in Pakistan. It was reported that any satellite service provider must obtain the necessary licenses from all relevant departments. The Committee unanimously decided to summon the regulatory body that has been constituted for this purpose to provide a briefing at the next meeting.
Senator Palwasha raised concerns about Elon Musk’s repeated claims about grooming gangs in the UK allegedly operated by Pakistanis, calling it targeted disinformation against Pakistan, which has been further amplified by Indian entities.
Additionally, the Committee reviewed the revenues and taxes paid by telecom companies over the past decade, including a year-by-year comparison for each company. The Ministry committed to presenting detailed data at the next meeting.
The performance of the Telecom Foundation was also discussed. The Committee was informed that the Foundation is a self-funded trust and currently operates 15 schools and provides health services. The Foundation’s gross revenue is expected to reach 1 billion by the end of the year. The Additional Secretary for IT and Telecom informed the Committee that the government would no longer be part of the trust, and it would operate independently. The Committee emphasized that the Telecom Foundation should focus on its core functions and work autonomously.
The meeting was attended by Senators Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan, Gurdeep Singh, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, Dr. Mohammad Humayoun Mohmand, along with the Additional Secretary from the Ministry of Information Technology, the Chairman of PTA, the Chairman of the Telecom Foundation, and senior officials from relevant departments.
