PTA Chairman Refuses to Take Responsibility for Internet Issues, Blames Govt Instead

Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Major General (R) Hafeezur Rehman on Thursday blamed the government for failing to spend a single rupee on improving Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure due to which internet issues still persist. The PTA Chairman made a strong case for urgent government action to address Pakistan’s internet infrastructure challenges during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom. He lamented that no new submarine cables had been added in the past 10 years. The lack of investment, he argued, has hindered efforts to build “digital highways” essential for a modern and reliable internet system. The chairman said three out of seven submarine cables were damaged last year which disrupted internet services for five months until repairs were completed in October. He also highlighted issues with telecom equipment theft during power outages and pointed out that internet service providers rely on the government to lay fiber optic cables and expand connectivity. Addressing social media regulation, the PTA chairman stated that the authority operates within government directives under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). While PTA can block or reopen platforms as required, he dismissed claims of intentionally slowing down services. Chairman committee Syed Aminul Haq, expressed concerns about the poor quality of mobile internet services, particularly on major routes like Karachi-Hyderabad. He criticized the absence of solutions for connectivity problems in underserved areas. Surveillance concerns also came under scrutiny. Omar Ayub accused the government of misusing monitoring tools, including VPN registration requirements. The committee took serious note of the non-recovery of around $800 million in proceeds on account of the privatization of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited from Etisalat for the past 18 years. Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima said a high-level committee chaired by the Finance Minister is working to resolve the issue. The committee chairman summoned the Law Minister and Justice officials to clarify PTCL’s asset management practices. The meeting concluded with a goal to expand internet access to 1,000 villages and address infrastructure gaps on motorways and remote areas.