National Assembly Committee Slams Telecom Companies Over Poor Network Quality
Lawmakers expressed deep frustration over deteriorating telecom services during a heated session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT. Committee chairman Syed Amin ul Haq presided over the meeting, which featured sharp criticism directed at both the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and private telecom operators. Several members stated that network quality has only worsened over time despite repeated warnings and ongoing parliamentary discussions.
The session highlighted widespread public dissatisfaction with mobile and internet services across the country. Citizens and businesses rely heavily on digital infrastructure for daily commerce, education, and communication. Continuous disruptions create significant challenges for economic productivity and personal connectivity. Lawmakers demanded immediate accountability from the companies responsible for maintaining these critical networks.
Lawmakers Voice Frustrations Over Failing Networks
Committee member Ahmed Ateeq voiced the sharpest frustrations throughout the session. He stated that networks are not functioning from his constituency to Karachi. He pointed out that discussions have continued for two and a half years, yet no meaningful solution has emerged despite constant meetings.
Ateeq demanded concrete data on fiber deployment during that period. His frustration reflected a broader sentiment across the committee. One member remarked during the proceedings that every meeting ends and the network gets even worse.
Regional Complaints Highlight Nationwide Coverage Gaps
Committee member Aasia Ishaq raised a pointed concern about 5G services. She stated that 4G stopped working properly after 5G services launched. She asked whether members should approach the Supreme Court for relief. Another member highlighted that 3G does not even function in Thatta.
Urban centers also experience severe connectivity issues. One member noted that WhatsApp calls drop even in Islamabad. If service fails in the capital, rural areas face far worse conditions. The committee emphasized that these failures affect users in both major cities and remote districts.
Regulatory Challenges and Industry Obstacles
The PTA chairman acknowledged the problems honestly to some extent. He confirmed conducting inspection tours across 41 districts. However, he admitted issuing showcause notices remains PTA's last resort. He also revealed that companies obtain court injunctions against fines. Additionally, he identified power outages as a major obstacle.
Regulatory bodies face complex legal and operational hurdles when penalizing service providers. Court stays prevent regulators from enforcing financial penalties effectively. Power supply instability further complicates network maintenance, as cellular towers require constant electricity or backup generators to function properly during grid failures.
Government Response and International Comparisons
IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja offered a measured response to the criticism. She acknowledged the committee members' frustration as entirely valid. However, she maintained that telecom services are gradually improving. She also invited committee members to submit formal policy recommendations.
Khawaja drew an international comparison during her remarks. She pointed out that even the US lacks telecom coverage on motorways and highways. The comment appeared aimed at tempering expectations around rural connectivity and the inherent limits of infrastructure deployment.
Committee Directives and Legislative Priorities
Chairman Amin ul Haq closed the session with a firm directive. He stated there should be no compromise on quality of service. He ordered all telecom companies to improve their services immediately.
The committee also briefly discussed the PDA Amendment Bill. The Law Secretary confirmed consultations with the People's Party. He called the bill a top priority for the next parliamentary session.
