The Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom recently reviewed pressing issues facing Pakistan’s telecom and IT landscape, from telecom company arrears to the future of AI regulation. Let’s dive into the key points discussed.
💸 Telecom Arrears: Billions Still Unpaid
Long-Distance International (LDI) companies owe billions in unpaid fees. Here’s a snapshot of the current arrears situation:
- Paid: Rs. 10 billion by 10 out of 15 LDI companies
- Unpaid: Rs. 24 billion remaining
- Late Fees: Raising the total arrears to Rs. 74 billion
🚨 Potential Service Disruptions
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman highlighted a concerning consequence of license revocation. If the remaining dues aren’t paid and licenses are withdrawn, it could impact:
- 50% of mobile services
- 40% of ATM services
The committee expressed urgency in addressing these arrears to minimize disruption.
🌐 Reducing Foreign Dependency with the National Fiberization Policy
The committee emphasized the importance of local fiber-optic infrastructure to reduce dependency on international resources, which leaves Pakistan vulnerable to external pressures. The National Fiberization Policy aims to:
- Establish self-reliant communication networks
- Improve digital infrastructure to support seamless, uninterrupted services
🤖 Regulating Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Future Directions
AI Bill 2024: Taking Inspiration from China?
The Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2024 was also under review, sparking a lively debate. With social media management still posing challenges, a committee member questioned if the Ministry of IT could effectively regulate AI, especially given the prevalence of fake news and misinformation online.
💡 Proposed Solution:
One senator proposed taking a page from China’s tech regulatory model by developing alternative platforms to improve regulation and security.
📈 Talent and Experience Over Qualifications?
During discussions on improving the telecom and IT sectors, questions were raised about the recent IT and Telecom Secretary appointment. A senator expressed concerns about overlooking a highly qualified PhD candidate in favor of someone with more experience.
The Establishment Division clarified that they prioritized relevant experience over academic qualifications, stirring further discussions on how to balance expertise and experience in leadership positions.
