ISLAMABAD, Jan 22 (APP): The government has spent more than Rs52 billion to extend telecommunications services to remote and underserved regions across Pakistan, but major coverage gaps persist due to commercial and technical constraints, the National Assembly was told on Thursday.
Parliamentary Secretary Sajid Mehdi, responding during Question Hour, said most of the country’s telecom infrastructure had been developed by the private sector, which expands networks primarily on the basis of commercial feasibility. As a result, service coverage remains uneven, particularly in far-flung and low-revenue areas.
To bridge these gaps, the government has relied on the Universal Service Fund (USF), through which over Rs52bn has been spent to expand connectivity in remote regions, including Balochistan. However, Mehdi acknowledged that progress in some areas remains slow as private operators are reluctant to participate in tenders due to low returns, security concerns, and the absence of supporting infrastructure.
He said similar challenges exist along certain motorway stretches, where the lack of electricity and weak business viability discourage operators from expanding services.
Addressing queries on 3G and 4G availability, Mehdi said telecom companies invest where operations are commercially viable, noting that even areas such as Islamabad experience inconsistent coverage driven by profitability considerations.
On a separate matter, he clarified that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has no role in the dispute over withheld funds following the privatisation of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), describing it as a long-standing commercial and legal issue between the company and the government.
Mehdi also told the House that the PTA cannot block or restrict internet services independently and only acts on formal directives from the Ministry of Interior or law enforcement agencies in security-related cases. While online fraud and hacking are serious concerns, regulatory action can only be taken once verified information or complaints are received from relevant authorities.
He stressed that national security remains paramount, adding that improvements in law and order would encourage greater private investment in telecom infrastructure, helping expand coverage and enhance service quality nationwide.
