ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication on Tuesday expressed strong dissatisfaction with the performance of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), citing persistent public complaints over poor internet quality and limited service availability across the country. The Committee, which met under the chairmanship of MNA Syed Amin ul Haq, observed that despite repeated concerns raised in earlier meetings, there has been no visible improvement in internet services, particularly broadband and mobile data. Members noted a clear disconnect between PTA’s official claims of satisfactory service and the “ground realities” faced by citizens, with internet access in several areas described as either severely disrupted or virtually non-existent. Taking serious notice of the situation, the Committee directed the PTA to take immediate and effective measures to improve service quality. It also revised its earlier directive regarding focal persons for MNAs, instructing PTA to nominate one officer from each of its twelve Zonal offices to remain in constant coordination with all numbers and ensure the timely resolution of complaints. The Committee further emphasised that the upcoming 5G spectrum auction must be conducted in a fair, free, and transparent manner, strictly in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. Recalling its earlier directions, the Committee reiterated that the auction should be held in Pakistani rupees and that spectrum prices should not be set unnecessarily high. It also directed that any discounts or concessions granted to telecom operators must be directly linked to tangible improvements in network expansion and infrastructure development. The Committee also expressed concern over the repeated absence of the Director General of the Special Communications Organisation (SCO), noting that the related agenda item had now been taken up for the third time without the DG’s appearance. It directed the DG SCO to appear in person at the next meeting to brief Members, and deferred the agenda item accordingly. Meanwhile, the Committee lauded the performance of the National Information Technology Board (NITB), terming its work commendable and in the broader national interest. Members urged NITB to maintain the same level of commitment and consistency. The Committee also directed that all its proceedings, approvals, and briefings be processed through the e-Office system, to make the Standing Committee on IT completely paperless by providing all agenda items and presentations to Members on their tablets in advance. The panel also deliberated on the Prevention of Obscenity and Indecency in Digital Media Bill, 2025, moved by MNA Shahida Rehmani. During the discussion, the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) informed the Committee that existing legislation, particularly the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), already covers such matters, and that a new law could lead to overlapping legal provisions. Following these observations, the mover withdrew the Bill. The Committee advised Members to consult NCCIA to identify any gaps in existing laws and, if required, address them through amendments to the current cybercrime framework rather than creating a new authority. Besides the Federal Minister, the meeting was attended by MNAs Ahmad Atteeq Anwar, Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Syed Ali Qasim Gillani, Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, Sadiq Ali Memon, Sharmila Sahiba Faruqi Hashaam, Ahmad Saleem Siddiqui, Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, Pullain Baloch, and Shahida Rehmani, along with senior officials from the Ministry of IT and its attached departments. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025