The Senate Standing Committee has urged the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to push for reduced taxes on mobile phones, making them more affordable for the public. Although the PTA cannot directly lower taxes, as this responsibility lies with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the committee stressed the need for intervention to benefit the common man.
During the session, the Secretary of IT and Telecom briefed the committee about ongoing advancements. He shared that the introduction of a liberalization policy and the upcoming launch of 5G in Pakistan is expected to significantly enhance internet services nationwide.
IT Exports and Infrastructure Challenges
Export performance has also been emphasized as an IT Ministry official stated that IT exports jumped by 37% in 2024 to $3.3 billion for the first 11 months, while it was at $2.4 billion during the same period in 2023. Yet, the compound growth rate for five years remains at a mere 23%. The COVID-19 impact had, in fact, initially hit the exports but recovery has been good.
Infrastructure-wise, Secretary IT was set to inaugurate four more submarine cables into Pakistan in an attempt to address connectivity issues. All three would become functional next year. Notwithstanding the developments on that end, the Senate also highlighted lingering issues regarding Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; they also lack sufficient internet access. Some senators told BBC that one’s internet breaks all too frequently and Larkana of Sindh, was found to have slow speeds for access to high internet services.
The committee also discussed the adverse effects of internet shutdowns in affected districts. Chairman PTA Major General (R) Hafeez Ur Rehman acknowledged fiber connectivity challenges, especially in Balochistan. Meanwhile, the Secretary IT shared that ₨. 3 billion from the Universal Service Fund (USF) had been allocated to improve connectivity in the merged districts, including Ex-FATA.
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