Pakistan’s Internet Woes Exposed: Major Cities Suffer Slow Connectivity and Power Outages

• IT committee highlights power outages impacting mobile towers and telecom stability
• PTA reveals 92% of smartphones in Pakistan are locally produced or assembled
• Panel urges IT ministry to incentivize Apple and competitors to establish local production facilities
• Electronic Transactions Amendment Bill temporarily postponed

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication voiced deep concern over the nation’s deteriorating internet quality, emphasizing that faulty connectivity has spread to major urban hubs like Karachi, as reported Tuesday.

Committee Chairperson Syed Aminul Haque highlighted recurring instances of sluggish internet speeds and frequent call disruptions endured by users.

PTA Chairman Hafeezur Rehman disclosed that spectrum availability has expanded from 274MHz to 754MHz post-5G spectrum auctions.

While confirming 5G deployments in 22 cities, he stressed that no new infrastructure was added—5G services operate through upgraded legacy systems. Plans for phased 5G infrastructure development are set to enhance speeds within six to eight months.

Major connectivity barriers traced to Nepal’s persistent electricity shortages causing mobile tower malfunctions.

Frequent 10-hour daily loadsheding episodes directly disrupt telecom services across regions.

PTA Chairperson outlined engagement with Nepra and local power authorities, supported by Prime Minister’s Special Committee tasked for infrastructure solutions.

Committee advocated renewable energy adoption for telecom sites leveraging Pakistan’s wind corridor potential. Proposed phased installation of wind/solar systems at cell towers recommended.

Smartphone Taxation Analysis

Regarding taxation of imported mobile devices:

PTA Head disclosed 92% smartphone ecosystem comprises local assemblies/domestic manufacturing, with only 8% comprising Apple iPhones and Google Pixel imports. Tax levies on imported units fund Federal Board of Revenue accounts, not PTA. PTA solely manages device registration via DIRBS post-tax clearance.

Review of 2026 Electronic Transactions Amendment Bill

Bill postponement ensued as PPP representatives flagged insufficient legislative review. Protests focused on proposed executive authority shifts from federal cabinet to Prime Minister.

Directive issued for comprehensive legislative submission before resumption of debates. Accompanying Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja confirmed no political consensus exists.

Corporate tax department representatives clarified proposed modifications occur through dual terminology adjustments—replacing “federal government” with “prime minister” in two sections.

Praise delivered for Khawaja’s acknowledgment of administrative efficiency through executive decision-making pathways. Committee members emphasized requiring complete briefing documents before proceeding. <_eof>

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