The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology met to review Pakistan’s digital direction. Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja and the PTA Chairman briefed members on reforms, funding gaps, and service quality. The meeting showed urgency, with lawmakers stressing faster progress, better networks, and modern systems to support citizens, businesses, and national growth today.
Connectivity Plan 2030 Ready for Launch
Minister Shaza Fatima confirmed a complete Connectivity Plan for 2030 is ready. Prepared on the Prime Minister’s direction, this roadmap sets clear goals for coverage, speed, and inclusion. She said the Prime Minister will launch it soon, while a focused five year telecom plan guides investment, policy, and regulation across the sector, nationwide growth goals.
Preparations Continue for 5G Services
On 5G, the minister assured members that groundwork is moving steadily. Spectrum planning, rules, and readiness are being reviewed carefully before any launch. She noted two major telecom firms have merged, changing competition. Secretary Zarrar Hasham Khan also shared that timing depends on stability, demand, and user experience across the country for future digital services.
Universal Service Fund Faces Setbacks
Funding issues drew strong attention, especially the Universal Service Fund. The PTA Chairman explained the fund once held over fifty billion rupees. Because projects stalled, the government took back unused money. This decision slowed rural expansion, raising concerns about fairness, access, and missed chances for remote communities across Pakistan’s hills, deserts, villages, towns, borders, nationwide.
Government Promises Fund Recovery by 2026
Minister Shaza Fatima clarified the recovery path for these funds. She said a 2022 SIFC decision allowed money to return gradually. According to the plan, all taken funds will be restored by 2026. This promise aims to restart projects and rebuild trust in public digital programs serving citizens, students, clinics, schools, farms, markets, homes, nationwide.
Parliament Seeks Transparency and Oversight
Committee members demanded transparency and regular oversight. Ahmed Atiq asked for a full briefing on USF spending and controls. The ministry responded by highlighting strict checks on planning and use by attached bodies. Officials said better monitoring will prevent delays, protect funds, and ensure results reach people fairly, quickly, safely, efficiently, nationwide, long term, impact.
Careful Progress Shapes Digital Future
Overall, the briefing painted a picture of careful progress. Old gaps remain, yet the direction feels steady and hopeful. With the 2030 plan, 5G preparation, and restored funds, Pakistan aims to connect every corner. Success now depends on discipline, patience, and honoring promises made to the public today, tomorrow, together, responsibly, fairly, wisely, steadily, forward.
