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The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication witnessed heated exchanges this week as lawmakers criticized poor internet coverage and the delay in Islamabad IT Park’s completion. Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an inquiry into the delays surrounding the Korean-funded initiative.
Committee Grills IT Ministry over Connectivity Issues
The meeting, chaired by Amin Ul Haque, opened with questions about Pakistan’s ongoing connectivity challenges, including disruptions caused by a submarine cable fault near Yemen. IT Ministry officials assured members that internet traffic had been rerouted to maintain stable connectivity while repairs continue.
Lawmakers expressed anger over weak mobile and broadband service across the country. MNA Zulfiqar Bhatti condemned the poor coverage in his constituency, calling it “unacceptable,” while Engineer Rana Atique demanded more investment in smaller cities rather than focusing only on major urban centers.
The session briefly turned tense when MNA Zulfiqar Bhatti accused the IT ministry of being unresponsive, threatening to walk out of the meeting. Committee Chairman Amin Ul Haque intervened to calm the situation.
In response, Shaza Fatima reaffirmed her commitment to improving Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, saying that connectivity remains a top priority for the government.
“We understand the challenges and are working to ensure that no region is left behind,” she said.
Islamabad IT Park Faces Major Delays
During the session, ministry officials revealed that nearly 80% of construction work on the Islamabad IT Park has been completed. However, Shaza Fatima acknowledged repeated setbacks due to changes in project leadership and coordination issues with Korean partners.
“This project has faced several implementation challenges,” she said, adding that PM Shehbaz Sharif had directed a full inquiry into the causes of delay. “We are working to resolve these issues before the official deadline. Even if partners withdraw, we have a contingency plan.”
She cautioned against making premature statements about the project’s status, noting that speculation could harm investor confidence.
Minister Highlights Progress on National Tech Initiatives
Shaza Fatima briefed the committee on several ongoing initiatives under the Ministry of IT, including the establishment of Special Technology Parks across Pakistan and a dedicated Women’s Technology Park in Bagh, Azad Kashmir.
She said that 50 e-Rozgaar Centers have already been set up to support freelancers and young entrepreneurs. The minister also announced that federal agencies such as the NHA and CDA have abolished Right of Way (RoW) charges to accelerate the expansion of fiber connectivity.
“Removing RoW charges will allow us to connect 60% of telecom towers with fiber,” she stated. “That is essential for improving nationwide digital access.”
Spectrum Shortage Remains the Core Issue
Despite the ministry’s progress, lawmakers were unconvinced. Shaza Fatima explained that Pakistan’s telecom sector currently operates on just 274 MHz of spectrum, well below the required capacity.
“Even if we build thousands of towers, it won’t make a difference without sufficient spectrum,” she said, confirming that a new spectrum auction is expected early next year. “An international consultant has already been hired to oversee the process,” she added.
The minister also noted that several spectrum blocks remain tied up in legal disputes, preventing an immediate auction. Meanwhile, telecom operators have warned that 5G services cannot launch until additional bandwidth becomes available.
