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The Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom raised serious alarms today regarding the digital household survey currently underway in Islamabad. During a heated session, committee members questioned the security protocols of the app used to collect sensitive citizen data.
According to the committee Chairperson, the application lacks essential security measures. Consequently, the personal data of thousands of citizens is at risk.
Senate Committee: No Law to Protect Data
The Chairperson, Senator Palwasha Khan, emphasised a critical legislative gap. She stated that Pakistan currently has no functional law to ensure data security. Therefore, gathering detailed information on who lives where puts citizens in immediate danger.
The Chairperson warned:
The data you are collecting from homes will be easily sold.
The committee specifically highlighted the physical safety risks associated with this digital exercise. If the data falls into the wrong hands, it could expose vulnerable individuals. For instance, if a woman lives alone, leaked data could make her a target.
Senator Afnan Ullah supported these concerns. He reminded the attendees that NADRA’s data has leaked repeatedly in the past. Yet, no one has ever taken responsibility. He argued that if this new survey data is breached, entering citizens’ homes will become dangerously easy for criminals.
Government Defends the Move
Despite the criticism, government officials defended the initiative. The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Islamabad stated that the survey is proceeding under the Prime Minister’s orders.
Interior Ministry officials explained that Islamabad’s population is expanding rapidly. Furthermore, a recent suicide attack in the capital has increased the pressure to verify citizen data for security purposes. The DC also noted that tracking citizen locations is a standard practice in many countries worldwide.
Survey Statistics
The administration shared the latest progress figures with the committee:
- Total Households Surveyed: 32,000
- Door-to-Door Collection: 28,000 households
- Self-Reported via App: 3,711 households
The committee maintained that while security is vital, it cannot come at the cost of digital privacy in an unregulated environment.
