On Monday, the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication will convene. The upcoming Senate IT Committee session agenda is heavy. Lawmakers will tackle major industry shakeups. These include the rebranding of Ufone, severe overcharging allegations against Jazz, and alarming national security threats.
Jazz Overcharging & $800M Etisalat Dispute
Financial controversies dominate the upcoming session. The Auditor General of Pakistan and the PTA Chairman will present a striking audit report. Specifically, this report alleges that Jazz overcharged its mobile users by a massive Rs. 6.58 billion. Furthermore, the report highlights a provision that allows the operator to increase tariffs by up to 15 percent every quarter. Consequently, the committee wants details on exactly how the PTA plans to protect consumers.
Additionally, the committee will address a massive outstanding debt. Etisalat still owes $800 million from the privatization of PTCL. To investigate this, lawmakers have demanded the minutes of all PTCL Board meetings held over the last six months.
Meanwhile, the IT Secretary must provide a clear way forward regarding ongoing court cases and stay orders. These legal battles heavily involve LDI (Long Distance International) and FLL (Fixed Local Loop) companies. Finally, officials will scrutinize the overall regulatory framework. Members will question whether the government has properly notified the Telecom Competition Rules, as required under Section 57 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996.
Senate IT Committee Will Discuss Ufone’s Rebranding & Starlink’s Entry
The telecom landscape is shifting rapidly. Following its merger with Telenor, Ufone is reportedly changing its name to “e&”. The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MoITT) will officially brief the committee on this major corporate transition.
Moreover, satellite internet remains a high priority. The committee expects an updated briefing on Starlink’s highly anticipated launch in Pakistan. This global service aims to connect remote and underserved areas.
Speaking of connectivity, a sub-committee will present its findings on widespread internet issues. Interestingly, this report also covers the mysterious disappearance of diesel meant for telecom towers across the country. Meanwhile, ordinary passengers face severe digital blackouts. Currently, 40 Pakistan Railways trains completely lack basic mobile signals and Wi-Fi networks.
Furthermore, officials will review Universal Service Fund (USF) projects in Qila Abdullah, Balochistan. They will examine budget allocations, current status, and the exact number of villages receiving new digital access. Lawmakers will also review the ongoing closure of mobile services in Lakki Marwat. Senator Atta-ur-Rehman previously raised this pressing public issue in the Senate on November 13, 2025.
Government Data Breaches & Security Concerns
Cybersecurity presents the most alarming agenda item. Unidentified actors allegedly obtained and transferred the sensitive personal data of Pakistani government officers to foreign entities. Consequently, the Director General of the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) will brief members. He will outline the magnitude of this threat and the specific measures taken to stop future breaches.
Similarly, national security concerns surround Pak Datacom. The company reportedly shifted its services to a foreign satellite. The IT Secretary will explain this controversial move. Furthermore, the committee will hear directly from Pak Datacom employees regarding the recent termination of their jobs.
