Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Communications Technology, chaired by Senator Balwasha Muhammad Zai Khan, met today at Parliament House to deliberate on key issues, including the Personal Data Protection Bill, Starlink operations and the performance of the telecommunications enterprise.
The committee discussed the ministry’s observations on the draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023. The Additional Secretary, ICT, explained that the draft law was approved by the Cabinet in 2022 before being sent to the Ministry of Law. A subsequent change in government delayed its progress.
A representative of the Ministry of Law also added that no bill with financial implications could be introduced without proper study. Senator Dr Afnanullah Khan, the sponsor of the bill, expressed dissatisfaction with the long delay, stressing that consultations had taken too long and the bill should now be approved.
He insisted that the draft law does not conflict with the constitution, and called for clear communication from the Ministry of Law about its position on the draft law. Senator Anusha Rehman Ahmad Khan also stressed the urgent need for strong data protection measures.
After detailed deliberations, the Committee agreed to call a single session on the agenda exclusively on the draft Personal Data Protection Bill together with representatives of the Law and Justice Department to continue deliberations and finalize the matter.
The committee was briefed on the launch of Starlink operations in Pakistan. It was reported that any satellite service provider must obtain the necessary licenses from all relevant departments. The committee unanimously decided to summon the already formed regulatory body to brief it at the next meeting.
During the meeting, Senator Balwasha raised concerns over Elon Musk’s repeated claims about grooming rings in the UK allegedly run by Pakistanis, describing the narrative as targeted disinformation against Pakistan, amplified in collaboration with Indian entities.
The committee also reviewed the revenues achieved by telecommunications companies and the taxes they paid during the past decade, making an annual comparison for each company. The Ministry committed to providing detailed data at the next meeting.
In addition, the performance of the telecommunications organization was discussed. It was said to be a self-financing institution and currently runs 15 schools in addition to providing health services. The fund’s total revenues are expected to reach one billion dollars by the end of this year.
Additional Secretary ICT told the committee that the government will not be part of the trust in future and will work independently. The committee stressed that the Telecommunications Corporation must focus on its core functions and operate independently.
The meeting was attended by Senators Dr Afnanullah Khan, Anusha Rehman Ahmad Khan, Gurdeep Singh, Saifullah Sarwar Khan Niazi, Dr Muhammad Humayun Mohmand, Additional Secretary from Ministry of Information Technology, Chairman PTA and Chairman PTA. Communications Corporation, and senior officials from relevant departments.