The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication (ITT), chaired by MNA Syed Amin ul Haq, convened its 13th meeting here at Parliament House, on Monday and addressed critical issues ranging from prolonged internet suspension in Balochistan to the progress of national digital training initiatives.
During the meeting, the Committee was informed that security agencies, responding to a letter from the Ministry of Interior, had recommended the continued suspension of internet services in District Panjgur for another six months, citing prevailing law and order concerns.
The Committee members expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that internet services have already remained suspended in Panjgur for the past three years. Members highlighted the severe impact on students and the local business community.
Pullain Baloch, a member of the Committee, revealed that residents of his constituency must travel 15 to 20 kilometers to access internet services, as PTCL’s coverage in the area is virtually nonexistent.
In response, the Committee directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman to conduct a survey of internet availability in the region and submit a detailed report.
The Committee also received a comprehensive briefing from Ignite, the national technology fund, which reported that 4.6 million students have been trained under 15 highdemand freelancing courses through 19 training batches. Of these trainees, 28% were women, and 72% were men.
A 2024 survey showed that freelancers trained under Ignite’s programs generated USD 1.65 billion in revenue. Ignite announced the launch of 10 new courses, raising the total to 25, including those focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Committee instructed Ignite to provide a districtwise enrollment breakdown for Balochistan and emphasized the need to increase female participation in these programs to at least 50% to ensure better gender inclusion.
Concerns were also raised regarding the absence of the PTCL CEO. The Committee was informed that PTCL (Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited) is planning to sell several properties, including highvalue assets. In this regard, the Committee directed PTCL to present the specific clauses in its sales and purchase agreements that permit such transactions.
It also instructed that the CEO must be present at the next meeting to respond to the Committee’s queries. The Committee reappointed a SubCommittee under the convenorship of Gohar Ali Khan, maintaining its existing composition and terms of reference.