Pakistan’s National Assembly Debates Slow Internet Speeds

Lawmakers Express Concerns Over Connectivity Issues

In a recent session of Pakistan’s National Assembly, members engaged in a heated discussion regarding the persistent issue of slow internet speeds across the country. The debate highlighted the challenges faced by citizens, businesses, and educational institutions due to inadequate digital infrastructure.

Parliamentary Concerns

During the session, committee member Ahmed Atique voiced his frustration, stating that internet services become virtually inaccessible beyond a 40-kilometer radius from Lahore. He emphasized that children are compelled to travel to urban areas solely to access reliable internet connectivity. In response, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman acknowledged the issue but noted that telecom companies are hesitant to invest in areas with low business potential. He further highlighted that while the PTA generated Rs1,700 billion in revenue over the past six years, there has been a noticeable lack of government investment in the telecom sector.

Government’s Stance

Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, addressed the assembly, acknowledging the slow internet speeds and attributing them to various factors, including limited spectrum availability and infrastructure challenges. She assured members that the government is implementing the Fiberisation Policy and plans to introduce 5G technology to enhance connectivity. The minister also mentioned that the auction for the 5G spectrum is scheduled for April, with efforts underway to improve the existing 4G infrastructure.

Opposition’s Critique

Opposition members, particularly from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), criticized the government’s handling of internet services. Shazia Marri of the PPP highlighted the irony of introducing the Digital Pakistan Bill amidst widespread internet disruptions. She questioned the efficacy of the proposed digital initiatives when basic internet services remain unreliable. Abdul Qadir Patel, another PPP legislator, expressed concerns over the detrimental impact of slow internet on businesses and education, urging the government to address the issue promptly.

Impact on Citizens

The ongoing internet issues have significantly affected various sectors:

• Education: Students, especially in remote areas, struggle to access online learning resources, hindering their academic progress.
• Business: Entrepreneurs and freelancers face challenges in conducting online transactions, leading to potential financial losses.
• Healthcare: Telemedicine services are disrupted, limiting access to medical consultations for those in distant regions.

Future Outlook

The government has announced plans to lay additional under-sea cables within the next two years to improve internet connectivity and speed. Efforts are also being made to enhance investment in the telecom sector to address the current challenges. However, citizens and stakeholders await tangible improvements, emphasizing the need for timely implementation of these initiatives to bridge the digital divide in Pakistan.