Senate Panel Demands Answers on Logic Behind Free Public WiFi, Crypto Council

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has sought a detailed briefing from the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MoITT) regarding the provision of public WiFi services in Islamabad, including any plans to expand the facility to the Metro Bus Service. The committee, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, will hold its meeting on June 30, 2025, at the Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges. The committee has also summoned the Secretary, MoITT and the Ministry of Finance to explain the Ministry’s role in the new government-announced council intended to regulate cryptocurrency. The senators are expected to scrutinize the Ministry’s input in shaping the council’s structure, policy direction, and its alignment with national digital finance strategies. Further, the committee has called for a briefing on the Ministry’s responsibilities following the passage of the Digital Nation Pakistan Act, 2025. The agenda includes an assessment of how the Act is being implemented, what institutional changes have been initiated, and how various stakeholders are being integrated into the framework for building a digitally inclusive society. Another item on the agenda includes a detailed review of the PSDP fund utilization for fiscal year 2024-25 by the MoITT and its attached departments. The committee has requested project-wise percentage breakdowns of budget utilization up to June 2025, seeking transparency and accountability in government spending on IT-related development. Additionally, the committee will probe into the controversial claim regarding the launch of Pakistan’s first GPT-based AI platform, “Zahanat AI” by the Minister for IT, and its subsequent denial by the CEO of the National IT Board (NITB). The hiring process for the post of Director General (International Coordination) will also be discussed, including the number of applicants, shortlisting procedures, and final selection criteria.