Islamabad, January 12, 2026: The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, met in Islamabad on Monday to review key issues related to corruption, cybercrime, data security, internet connectivity and digital governance.
The committee was briefed on a corruption case involving alleged embezzlement of Rs. 1.5 crore per month, during which the Additional Director General Anti-Money Laundering, FIA, informed members that an FIR has been registered and investigations are ongoing. He stated that 13 FIA officers from grades 16 to 19 have been convicted, of whom three are on protective bail while two have been granted post-arrest bail. The committee was told that only Rs. 15 lakh has been recovered so far. Expressing serious concern over delays, the chairperson sought a timeline for completion of the case, which the authorities failed to provide.
FIA officials further informed the committee that 271 officers were penalized over the past year, accounting for more than 5.8 percent of the total FIA workforce. Senator Pervaiz Rashid voiced concern over the agency’s overall performance and stressed the need for effective and timely preventive measures.
On the issue of cybercrime, the committee was informed that while call centers are not illegal, many unregistered centers are involved in fraudulent activities. FIA officials said such illegal operations function covertly, making it difficult to determine their exact number, but assured the committee that action against them is continuing.
NADRA officials briefed the committee on data security measures. The chairperson expressed dissatisfaction over NADRA’s handling of data breaches, particularly those involving dignitaries. The Additional Secretary, Ministry of Interior, informed the committee that over 80 percent of NADRA’s data has been secured through modern protocols and that records of illegal aliens have been removed from the database. Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan recommended a third-party forensic audit of NADRA, following which the committee decided to summon the Chairman NADRA in the next meeting for a detailed briefing on the latest progress in data protection.
Discussing weak internet connectivity, the Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the committee that district-level internet service licenses have been introduced to improve access in remote areas, with licenses priced at Rs. 300,000. Senator Saadia Abbasi emphasized the need to ensure affordable internet access for underserved communities. The chairperson directed PTA to submit a detailed report on cellular signal coverage in major cities and one province, with particular focus on poor connectivity along parts of the Peshawar Motorway.
The committee also expressed concern over the remuneration of PTCL board members, who reportedly receive USD 8,000 per board meeting. Additionally, a representative of the Law Division was directed to submit the relevant policy regarding withdrawal limits exceeding Rs. 1 million by government employees or dignitaries.
The Chairman Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) briefed the committee on the authority’s mandate, stressing the importance of a national digital strategy. He stated that personal data belongs to individuals and must not be shared without consent, adding that artificial intelligence requires regulation and oversight. Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan assured the committee’s full support for necessary legislation to safeguard national interests.
The meeting was attended by Senators Pervaiz Rashid, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Saadia Abbasi, Syed Kazim Ali Shah, and Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan.
