ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ministry of Information Technology is moving ahead with a comprehensive five-year plan for the telecommunications sector.
The Federal Minister for IT Shiza Fatima Khawaja told the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT and Telecom that, under the Prime Minister’s guidance, a connectivity plan has been developed extending to 2030.
The Prime Minister is expected to officially launch the plan in the coming weeks, with preparations underway for the rollout of 5G services. She also noted the merger of two major telecom companies as part of sector consolidation.
Furthermore, the committee meeting, chaired by Syed Aminul Haque, also addressed the Digital Media (Prevention of Obscenity and Immorality) Bill 2025, presented by Member of National Assembly (MNA) Shahida Rehman.
In this regard, Minister Shiza Fatima briefed the committee that existing laws and regulatory frameworks already address these issues and efforts are underway to strengthen them further.
She focused on the fact that enforcement is not dependent on the presence of global social media company offices in Pakistan, countering previous perceptions.
Moreover, committee members raised questions over the performance of the National Counter Terrorism and Internet Authority (NCCIA).
The chairman mentioned the need for NCCIA to strictly enforce digital media laws, while MNA Ali Qasim Gilani cited concerns over online content targeting the authority.
Shahida Rehman subsequently withdrew the Digital Media Bill 2025 from discussion.
However, Shahida Rehman subsequently withdrew the Digital Media Bill 2025 from discussion, The committee members expressed dissatisfaction with weak mobile signals and slow internet connectivity in several regions, questioning PTA’s survey methods and coverage quality.
PTA officials were urged to appoint focal persons in all 12 zonal offices to address connectivity issues effectively.
In addition, the CEO of the National IT Board (NITB), Faisal Iqbal Ratyal, briefed the committee on the government’s new secure communication app, Beep. Developed for government employees, the app is encrypted for messaging and video, certified by all agencies, and expected to be launched across ministries within two months. Plans include linking Beep with e-office systems and implementing a usage fee to make it self-sustainable.
The Secretary of IT and Telecom acknowledged that rumors of NITB closure over the past year affected its performance but confirmed the board is now fully operational. Minister Shiza Fatima emphasized that the five-year connectivity plan is being carefully implemented, with monitoring to ensure optimal use of funds by subordinate agencies.
