Senate Committee Addresses Internet Disruptions in Pakistan

In recent weeks, Pakistan has been grappling with significant internet disruptions that have affected millions of users across the nation. The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology convened on Monday to delve into the reasons behind this ongoing issue. The absence of key officials, including the Minister and Secretary of IT, was met with criticism from Senator Palwasha Khan, who labeled their non-attendance as a clear case of negligence. With approximately 2.5 million freelancers in Pakistan relying on stable internet access for their livelihoods, the stakes are high, and the consequences of these disruptions are dire.

During the meeting, Senator Khan expressed her frustration over the Minister for IT's failure to attend for the third consecutive time, prompting the Committee to consider writing a letter to the Prime Minister. This letter would highlight the Minister's inability to address the pressing concerns surrounding the internet disruptions. The Committee's discussions also touched upon the Islamic Ideological Council's recent comments regarding the blockage of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which they deemed unreasonable. In a light-hearted moment, the Committee suggested that the Council might as well consider banning television, given its potential to display harmful content.

The Committee firmly believes that simply blocking tools like VPNs will not solve the underlying issues. Instead, they urged the government to focus on regulating these tools effectively. They also requested the Islamic Ideological Council to provide a solid basis for their judgments regarding the VPN blockages. Furthermore, the Committee examined a letter from the Interior Ministry concerning the VPN blockade, which had not been communicated to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications. Senator Afnan Ullah raised concerns about the legality of this letter, emphasizing that VPNs should not be classified as social media applications.

In a bid to clarify the legal standing of VPNs, the Committee directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to seek the legal opinion of the Attorney General of Pakistan. The meeting also included a briefing on the criteria for selecting the Secretary of IT. Officials from the Establishment Division explained that candidates must hold a graduation degree and possess 20 years of relevant experience. Out of numerous candidates, fifteen were shortlisted for interviews. However, Senator Dr. Mohammad Humayun Mohmand pointed out that among these candidates, three held PhDs, and one was enrolled in a PhD program, yet the government opted for a candidate with only a graduation degree. This decision raised eyebrows and led the Committee to question whether the selection criteria were designed to favor a "blue-eyed" individual.

Additionally, the Committee addressed the pending court cases involving Long Distance International (LDI) and Fixed Local Loop (FLL) companies. Officials reported that there are currently 24 cases pending in various courts, with an alleged amount of Rs. 78 billion owed by these companies. The principal amount claimed by the PTA stands at Rs. 24 billion, with an additional Rs. 54 billion in fines, accruing interest at a rate of 2% per month. Some of these cases have been under stay orders since 2011, with little progress made towards resolution. Officials expressed hope for an early resolution as they work to consolidate these cases.

Lastly, the Committee discussed the increased pension payments to PTCL pensioners, which are still pending before the Supreme Court. The meeting was attended by several Senators and senior officials from relevant departments, all of whom are keenly aware of the implications of these discussions.

The ongoing internet disruptions in Pakistan have sparked significant concern among lawmakers, particularly regarding their impact on freelancers and the broader economy. The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology is taking steps to address these issues, but the absence of key officials raises questions about the government's commitment to resolving the crisis. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for the government to prioritize effective communication and regulation to ensure that the digital landscape in Pakistan remains robust and accessible for all.