The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology met to review telecom performance, where members raised serious concerns over weak mobile signals and slow internet affecting users nationwide.
Moreover, lawmakers stressed that poor connectivity continues to disrupt businesses, education, and daily communication despite repeated assurances from regulators and service providers.
During the meeting, the federal IT minister announced that a national connectivity plan extending until 2030 has been finalised under prime ministerial directives.
The plan aims to upgrade digital infrastructure, expand coverage, and address long-standing telecom issues through phased investment and policy reforms.
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However, several committee members sharply criticised the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s data presented during the session.
They argued that official quality-of-service reports fail to reflect public complaints, persistent signal dropouts, and slow internet speeds experienced across urban and rural areas.
One committee member openly dismissed the regulator’s survey findings as unrealistic, stating that ground realities contradict the positive picture shown in official documents.
He added that discussions on poor signals often trigger discomfort, yet reports continue to claim service standards remain satisfactory nationwide.
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Another lawmaker questioned the regulator’s effectiveness and asked where citizens should turn if the authority responsible for oversight fails to ensure reliable connectivity.
In response, the PTA chairman defended performance, citing top rankings in complaint resolution and acknowledging that errors had occurred in certain cases.
The federal minister also clarified concerns about Universal Service Fund withdrawals, stating repayments began in 2022 following policy decisions.
She assured the committee that all withdrawn funds would be fully returned by 2026, reinforcing commitments to transparency and sector improvement.