Islamabad, December 16, 2025 — Parliamentarians have strongly criticized the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) over the deteriorating quality of internet services across the country, expressing dissatisfaction over the regulator’s performance and lack of visible improvement.
The concerns were raised during the 18th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by MNA Syed Amin ul Haq. Members observed that complaints about slow and unreliable internet connectivity are repeatedly highlighted in every committee meeting, yet meaningful progress remains absent.
The committee noted that while PTA’s official reports portray internet services as satisfactory, the situation on the ground tells a different story. Lawmakers pointed out that the general public continues to face serious difficulties in accessing stable internet services, with connectivity in several areas described as either extremely poor or virtually unavailable.
Expressing serious concern, the committee directed PTA to take immediate and effective measures to improve service quality nationwide. It recalled earlier instructions to appoint focal persons for each member to address complaints promptly; however, acknowledging staffing constraints, the committee revised its directive. PTA was instructed to nominate one officer from each of its 12 zonal offices to remain in constant coordination with committee members and ensure timely resolution of issues.
The panel also issued clear instructions regarding the upcoming 5G spectrum auction, stressing that the process must be conducted in a fair, transparent, and legally compliant manner. It reiterated that the auction should be held in Pakistani rupees, spectrum prices should not be set excessively high, and any concessions granted to telecom operators must be strictly tied to network and infrastructure improvements.
Additionally, the committee expressed displeasure over the repeated absence of the Director General of the Special Communications Organization (SCO), directing him to appear personally in the next meeting for a detailed briefing. The agenda item was deferred accordingly.
The committee praised the National Information Technology Board (NITB) for its commendable performance and emphasized the continuation of its projects in the national interest. It also directed that all committee proceedings be fully digitized through the e-Office system to ensure paperless meetings.
During the session, the committee deliberated on The Prevention of Obscenity and Indecency in Digital Media Bill, 2025. Based on observations from the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which stated that existing laws under the PECA Act already cover such matters, the bill was withdrawn. Members were advised to review and strengthen existing cybercrime laws instead of creating overlapping legislation.