Islamabad, June 2, 2026: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication expressed serious concern over delays in the Karachi IT Park project and called for accelerated efforts to operationalize the Islamabad IT Park during its 22nd meeting held at the NTC Headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The meeting was chaired by Syed Amin Ul Haq.
The committee observed that the Karachi IT Park project, introduced in 2021, has witnessed little tangible progress despite the passage of nearly five years.
Members noted that although an advertisement had been issued for the hiring of a local consultant, bidders had not yet been effectively engaged and no clear completion timeline had been established.
The committee warned that continued delays were contributing to escalating project costs and directed the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication to submit a comprehensive progress report at the next meeting. The report should include the project’s current status, challenges, future roadmap, and expected completion date.
The committee further emphasized the need to ensure transparency, merit, and good governance throughout all stages of the project.
Regarding the Islamabad IT Park project, the committee directed the ministry to present a detailed progress update and ensure that the facility is inaugurated during the first week of August in line with the proposed schedule.
Members stressed that timely completion of the project is essential for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth in Pakistan’s information technology sector.
The committee observed that the Islamabad IT Park is expected to create opportunities for technology companies, freelancers, startups, and students while contributing to the country’s digital economy and employment generation.
The committee also considered the Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
During deliberations, members belonging to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) raised reservations, arguing that the proposed amendments had not yet been discussed within the party’s Parliamentary Legislative Committee.
Members emphasized the importance of consultation and consensus-building in the legislative process.
In view of these concerns, the committee decided to defer consideration of the bill until its next meeting and directed that consultations with all relevant political parties and stakeholders be completed before the legislation is brought back for review.
The committee also discussed internet coverage across the country and expressed concern over poor connectivity in several regions.
Members noted that despite surveys and assessments, many constituencies continue to experience inadequate or non-existent internet services, limiting access to digital platforms and online services.
Officials from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed the committee that discussions had been held with relevant stakeholders, including power sector authorities, to address connectivity challenges.
According to PTA, electricity outages and load-shedding remain significant factors affecting the operation of telecommunications infrastructure.
PTA officials informed lawmakers that telecom operators are upgrading networks and infrastructure following the country’s 5G spectrum auction.
The authority stated that average 4G internet speeds, currently around 4 Mbps, are expected to increase to approximately 20 Mbps after network enhancements.
With the expansion of 5G infrastructure, internet speeds are projected to reach up to 50 Mbps, significantly improving broadband service quality for consumers across the country.
The meeting was attended by MNAs Mahesh Kumar Malani, Sadiq Ali Memon, Ahmad Saleem Siddiqui, Asia Ishaque Siddiqui, and Ammar Ahmad Khan Leghari, along with officials from the ministry and its attached departments.
