PTCL Under Fire: Parliament Seeks Transparency Over Property Sales and CEO Absence
In a heated session, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication directed Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) to submit the specific clauses in its sale and purchase agreements that permit it to dispose of properties worth billions of rupees.
Frustration was evident as PTCL’s CEO failed to appear, prompting the committee’s chairman, Syed Aminul Haq, to express strong disapproval.
“Where is the CEO of PTCL? How is PTCL selling properties worth billions of rupees?” asked Haq, declaring the CEO’s absence an “affront to parliament.”
The committee demanded the CEO’s mandatory attendance at the next meeting and stated it would not discuss PTCL-related matters in his absence. PTCL officials explained that the CEO was attending a meeting at the UAE embassy, but the chairman emphasized that parliamentary meetings must take precedence.
In a parallel development, the committee reconstituted a sub-committee, now led by Gohar Ali Khan, maintaining the existing composition and scope.
Beep App: A Secure Local Messaging Alternative to WhatsApp
Amid rising cybersecurity concerns, the National Information Technology Board (NITB) introduced “Beep,” a secure messaging application intended for government employees, with nationwide expansion planned in phases.
The app will feature:
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End-to-end encryption
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Audio and video calling
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Conference calls with over 100 participants
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Data hosting within Pakistan
“Unlike WhatsApp, Beep’s servers and data centers will be located within Pakistan, ensuring 100% safety and security,” said IT Minister Haq.
Launch is expected by June 30, pending final cybersecurity assessments, according to Zarar Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of IT.
Three-Year Internet Ban in Panjgur Draws Criticism
The committee also raised concerns over the prolonged internet suspension in Panjgur, Balochistan. Officials confirmed that services would remain suspended for another six months due to security concerns, based on input from the Ministry of Interior.
Committee member Pullain Baloch highlighted that residents must travel 15–20 kilometers to access internet services, with PTCL’s coverage nearly absent in the area. The committee instructed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to conduct a comprehensive internet coverage survey and present findings in the next meeting.
Delay in Digital Skills Training Sparks Frustration
The committee also scrutinized delays in the Coding and DG Skills Programme, criticizing the lack of progress amid global AI advancements.
Implementing agency Ignite attributed the delays to content revisions. However, they reported the training of 4.6 million students across 19 batches, with 28% female participation, and revenue generation of $1.65 billion, according to a 2024 survey.
