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The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology met today for a crucial briefing on the country’s digital future. Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) updated the committee on 5G preparations, funding issues, and service quality. The government is moving quickly to upgrade Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
Government Pushes 2030 Connectivity Plan & 5G Launch
Minister Shaza Fatima revealed that a comprehensive Connectivity Plan for 2030 is ready. This roadmap was developed under the direct instruction of the Prime Minister. She confirmed that the Prime Minister will officially launch this plan in the coming weeks. Additionally, a specific 5-year plan for the telecom sector is now in place.
Regarding the highly anticipated 5G technology, the Minister assured the committee that the government is making all necessary preparations before the official launch. She also noted that two major telecom companies have completed their merger, signalling a shift in the industry landscape. Talking exclusively to TechJuice at the DevFest Islamabad, Secretary IT and Telecommunication Zarrar Hasham Khan shared some interesting insights about the launch of 5G in Pakistan.
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USF Funds: The Road to Recovery
A major topic of discussion was the Universal Service Fund (USF), which develops networks in less developed areas. The PTA Chairman disclosed that at one point, the USF held over Rs. 50 billion. However, the federal government retrieved these funds because they remained unutilized.
Minister Shaza Fatima clarified the current status of this money. She stated that under a 2022 decision by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the funds started flowing back. She promised that all funds taken from the USF will be returned by 2026.
Committee member Ahmed Atiq requested a detailed briefing specifically on these USF funds to ensure transparency. The Ministry emphasised that it is currently enforcing strict checks and balances on how subsidiary bodies plan and use their funds.
