ISLAMABAD: Governance failures and weak accountability across Pakistan’s telecom and digital sectors came under intense scrutiny as the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology raised alarm over excessive dollar-denominated fees paid to PTCL board members, unresolved corruption within the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and persistent gaps in national data protection.
Chaired by Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, the Committee was told that PTCL board members receive up to $8,000 per meeting, despite the company’s ongoing financial strain. Senators questioned how serving government officials could lawfully draw such payments, recalling the Prime Minister’s directive that no public office holder should receive more than Rs 1 million in meeting-related remuneration, with any excess returned to the national exchequer.
The Committee sought clarification on whether recoveries had been made and directed the Law Division to submit the relevant policy framework.
Members also examined a major FIA corruption case involving Rs 150 million per month. Officials confirmed that 13 officers, ranging from BS-16 to BS-19, had been convicted, yet only Rs 15 million has been recovered so far. Senators criticised the slow pace of recovery and the lack of a clear timeline for case completion. FIA representatives further disclosed that 271 officers had faced internal penalties over the past year, raising broader concerns about institutional integrity.
On data protection, officials from NADRA briefed the Committee on existing security measures, but lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction, citing past breaches involving sensitive personal information. Senator Afnan Ullah Khan warned that Pakistani citizens’ data was reportedly available on the dark web at nominal prices and recommended a third-party forensic audit of NADRA. The Committee decided to summon the NADRA Chairman in the next meeting for a detailed briefing.
Illegal call centres and cybercrime were also discussed. FIA officials clarified that call centres are not illegal by default, but unregistered entities are often involved in fraudulent activity. Separately, the Committee reviewed weak internet connectivity and directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to submit a detailed report on cellular coverage, particularly along the Peshawar Motorway.
Briefing lawmakers on digital governance, the Chairman of the Pakistan Digital Authority stressed that personal data belongs to individuals and must not be shared without consent, adding that artificial intelligence requires clear regulation and oversight. Senators across party lines underscored the need for stronger legislation to protect citizens’ data and restore public trust in digital institutions.
