Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology on Monday reviewed key issues related to corruption, cybercrime, data security, internet connectivity and digital governance during a meeting held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan.
The Committee was briefed on a corruption case involving alleged monthly corruption of Rs 1.5 crore. The Additional Director General Anti-Money Laundering, FIA, informed the Committee that an FIR had been registered and investigations were underway. He stated that 13 FIA officers from grades 16 to 19 had been convicted, out of which three were on protective bail and two had been granted post-arrest bail, while only Rs 15 lakh had been recovered so far. The Chairperson expressed serious concern over the delay in concluding the case and sought a clear timeline, which the authorities failed to provide.
FIA officials further informed the Committee that 271 officers were penalized during the last year, accounting for more than 5.8 percent of the total FIA strength. Senator Pervaiz Rashid expressed dissatisfaction over FIA's performance and emphasized the need for timely preventive measures.
On the issue of illegal call centers, the Committee was informed that although call centers are not illegal, many unregistered centers are involved in fraudulent activities. FIA stated that such illegal operations work covertly, making it difficult to determine their exact number, but assured continued action against them.
NADRA officials briefed the Committee on data security measures. The Chairperson showed dissatisfaction over NADRA's handling of data breaches involving dignitaries. The Additional Secretary, Ministry of Interior, informed the Committee that over 80 percent of NADRA's data had been secured through modern protocols and that aliens had been removed from the database. Senator Dr Afnan Ullah Khan recommended a third-party forensic audit of NADRA, while the Committee decided to summon the Chairman NADRA in the next meeting to brief members on the latest progress regarding data security.
Regarding weak internet connectivity, the Chairman PTA informed the Committee that district-level internet licenses had been introduced to improve services in remote areas, with licenses offered at Rs 300,000. Senator Saadia Abbasi stressed the importance of affordable internet access for local communities. The Chairperson directed PTA to submit a report on cellular signal coverage in major cities and one province, particularly highlighting poor coverage along sections 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. The representative of the Law Division was directed to submit the policy regarding withdrawal limits exceeding Rs 1,000,000 by government employees or dignitaries.
The Chairman, Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA), briefed the Committee on its mandate and emphasized the need for a national digital strategy. He stated that personal data belongs to individuals and must not be shared without consent, adding that artificial intelligence requires proper regulation and oversight. Senator Dr Afnan Ullah Khan assured the Committee of full support for necessary legislation to protect national interests.
The meeting was attended by Senators Pervaiz Rashid, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Saadia Abbasi, Syed Kazim Ali Shah and Dr Afnan Ullah Khan.