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The Subcommittee on Information Technology of Pakistan’s National Assembly, chaired by Sher Ali Arbab, convened to address pressing challenges in the country’s digital and telecom sectors. The session, attended by members Umair Khan Niazi, Mahesh Kumar, and Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, focused on unresolved cases surrounding Long Distance International (LDI) licenses and the persistent delays in the auctioning of 4G and 5G spectrum.
This meeting forms part of the subcommittee’s ongoing oversight to accelerate Pakistan’s digital transformation, remove regulatory hurdles, and enhance transparency in the country’s telecommunications framework.
LDI Licenses Under Scrutiny: Stakeholders to Be Invited
The committee was given a comprehensive briefing on LDI-related cases, particularly focusing on nine companies whose operations have been suspended or blocked due to alleged regulatory violations or compliance gaps.
Chairperson Sher Ali Arbab emphasized the importance of fair representation and transparent hearings for the affected companies. “I want to hear directly from the nine blocked LDI companies,” he stated, reaffirming the subcommittee’s commitment to procedural justice and stakeholder inclusion.
However, legal advisors from the Law and Justice Division cautioned that participation must remain structured. They advised against allowing pressure groups or delegations that could disrupt the decorum of the committee proceedings. To ensure orderly discourse, the subcommittee directed that only two representatives per stakeholder group would be invited in future sessions.
The final report on LDI issues is expected to be presented in the next meeting, and it will include:
- Compliance statuses of the blocked companies
- Regulatory rationale for the suspensions
- Stakeholder responses and proposed resolutions
4G/5G Spectrum Auction Delays: A National Concern
The second major focus of the meeting was the delayed rollout of 4G and 5G spectrum auctions, which members described as a significant bottleneck in Pakistan’s digital development.
Committee members unanimously highlighted the urgent need to remove regulatory and operational hurdles that are impeding progress. The delay in spectrum auctions is affecting:
- Telecom investment opportunities
- Nationwide 4G/5G coverage expansion
- Digital services access in rural and urban areas
- Pakistan’s competitiveness in the regional tech economy
PTA Chairman and IT Secretary Summoned for Clarification
In a decisive move, the subcommittee summoned the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the Secretary of the Ministry of Information Technology to appear in the next session. They are expected to provide a full status report on the 4G and 5G auctions, reasons for the delay, and concrete timelines for resolution.
The committee also instructed that stakeholders from telecom companies, especially those vying for 5G deployment, be invited to share their perspectives. This collaborative approach is designed to uncover practical challenges, ranging from spectrum pricing and infrastructure readiness to regulatory approvals and investment hurdles.
Calls for Stakeholder-Driven Reform and Accountability
Chairman Sher Ali Arbab reiterated that the subcommittee aims to foster transparent decision-making and reform-oriented dialogue between public authorities and private stakeholders. “Digital infrastructure is the backbone of our economic future. We cannot afford delays or regulatory confusion in critical areas like spectrum management,” he stated.
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Members of the subcommittee urged for:
- A clear roadmap for spectrum auctions
- Immediate policy reform suggestions from the Ministry of IT
- Open, periodic consultations with the private sector
- Inclusion of international best practices in spectrum allocation
Digital Pakistan Vision Needs Accelerated Execution
The committee’s discussions are closely aligned with the government’s broader “Digital Pakistan” vision, which aims to modernize telecommunications, enhance digital access, and promote innovation-driven economic growth. However, the members expressed concern that implementation remains uneven and slow, especially in spectrum management and telecom regulation.
The subcommittee hopes that its firm stance will act as a catalyst for action in both public and private sector circles. Addressing the LDI and spectrum issues is seen as foundational to achieving a more connected, digitally empowered Pakistan.
Next Steps: A Roadmap for Reform
The next session of the subcommittee is expected to:
- Feature formal statements from PTA and the Ministry of IT
- Hear testimonies from blocked LDI firms
- Review proposals for expediting the spectrum auction
- Identify legislative or regulatory reforms to remove systemic barriers
A comprehensive report with actionable recommendations will be compiled and submitted to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication.
Conclusion: Committee Pushes for Immediate Digital Reforms
The meeting of the NA IT Subcommittee marks an important moment in the push for telecom reform and digital acceleration in Pakistan. With growing public demand for faster internet, better mobile connectivity, and transparent digital governance, the committee’s initiatives aim to break bureaucratic inertia and ensure that Pakistan’s telecom sector is future-ready.
All eyes will now be on the upcoming session — and the ability of stakeholders to align on urgent reforms that will shape the next phase of digital Pakistan.
