Digital Nation Bill Delayed Amid Criticism Over Internet Speeds
Committee member Sharmila Farooqi criticized the government's claims about internet improvements, highlighting persistent issues with slow speeds
The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, aimed at establishing a digital identity for citizens and centralizing governance data, has faced significant delays amid ongoing criticism regarding internet speeds in the country.
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunications, chaired by Federal Minister Aminul Haq on Thursday again postponed the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill, with members expressing frustration over the government’s failure to improve internet connectivity.
Committee member Sharmila Farooqi criticized the government’s claims about internet improvements, highlighting persistent issues with slow speeds and frequent shutdowns during protests. She emphasized that these disruptions severely affect communication, particularly for applications like WhatsApp.
Opposition Leader Omar Ayub alleged that secret agencies are responsible for internet shutdowns, which he claims result in substantial economic losses. He pointed out that Pakistan ranks among the lowest globally for internet speeds, with recent reports placing it in the bottom 12% for both mobile and broadband connectivity.
The Federal IT Minister, Syed Amin Ul Haq, opposed any bans on VPNs, arguing that they are essential for a functioning digital economy. He also called for accountability from the Interior Ministry regarding internet disruptions.
The committee plans to reconvene to further discuss the bill and gather input from various political parties. The government has promised improvements through initiatives like the Fiberization Policy and the introduction of 5G technology, with an auction for 5G spectrum scheduled for April 2025.
However, scepticism remains among committee members regarding the pace and transparency of these developments.
Chairman PTA revealed that three out of seven submarine cables had been damaged earlier this year, significantly disrupting services. These cables were restored in October, yet internet performance remains below global standards.
He emphasized the urgent need for laying fibre-optic cables and developing digital highways to address these issues.
Addressing concerns about internet shutdowns, the chairman explained that under the PECA Act, the PTA operates based on government directives to block or restore access to social media platforms. He emphasized, however, that the PTA lacks the technical capacity to throttle internet speeds and can only implement full shutdowns when instructed.
As Minister of State Shaza Fatima defended the government’s efforts, stating that misinformation is being spread about their intentions, committee member Mustafa Kamal countered her remarks, pointing out that the situation on the ground paints a different picture.
While the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill aims to modernize the country’s digital infrastructure, its progress is hindered by ongoing concerns over internet speed and access, leading to calls for more thorough consultations before any legislative action is taken.
