Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat on Thursday reviewed a wide range of issues, including restrictions on eSIM transfers, rollout of 5G services, mobile network quality on highways and motorways, alternative mechanisms for SIM issuance, compliance with previous recommendations and a private member's bill relating to CSS quota redistribution.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan at Parliament House, was attended by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Senator Saadia Abbasi, Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, senior officials of the Cabinet Division, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), OGRA, the Establishment Division, telecom operators and other stakeholders.
The Committee received a detailed briefing from the PTA on the transfer of eSIMs between mobile devices. The PTA Chairman informed members that telecom operators currently follow different policies allowing limited eSIM transfers. However, PTA is finalizing a uniform policy under which consumers will be able to transfer eSIMs up to ten times through QR codes free of cost.
Committee members expressed concern over increasing consolidation in the telecom sector, warning that mergers could reduce competition and adversely affect consumers. The PTA maintained that the sector remained competitive and deregulated, adding that greater competition was expected to reduce eSIM-related costs. The Chairman Committee directed PTA to ensure healthy competition so consumers continue receiving affordable and quality services.
Reviewing compliance with previous recommendations, the Committee was informed by OGRA that the issue relating to removal of gas meters over alleged leakages had been addressed. While OGRA maintained that consumers were responsible for leakage of metered gas, the Committee stressed the need for stronger consumer protection and directed the regulator to promote smart metering technologies and address administrative shortcomings within SNGPL.
The Committee was also informed that OGRA had relaxed documentation requirements for settlement of price differentials after consultations with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Appreciating the initiative, members directed OGRA to ensure timely payments to OMCs.
The Committee considered the Federal Public Service Commission Bill, 2026, concerning CSS quota redistribution. The Secretary Establishment Division informed members that any change in the CSS quota system would require a constitutional amendment. In the absence of the mover of the bill, further consideration was deferred.
Discussing the rollout of 5G services, the Committee welcomed progress following the spectrum auction. PTA informed members that 499 5G sites had so far been deployed and telecom operators expected visible 5G coverage across major urban areas by the end of the current year. Members were also informed that Pakistan currently has approximately 15.6 million 5G-compatible devices and that migration to 5G would improve the quality of existing 4G services. The Committee directed PTA to facilitate greater affordability of 5G-enabled devices.
Regarding taxation on mobile phones, officials clarified that taxation falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). They informed the Committee that around 92 per cent of mobile phones are assembled locally and exempt from taxation, while only eight per cent are imported and subject to applicable duties.
The Committee also discussed poor mobile coverage on highways, motorways and underserved areas. PTA informed members that, in collaboration with the Universal Service Fund (USF), efforts were underway to eliminate network blind spots. National roaming has already commenced along the Makran Coastal Highway, while similar arrangements for motorways are under consideration. Members were also informed that work was progressing on radio-based communication systems for Pakistan Railways.
Highlighting future connectivity solutions, the PTA Chairman proposed using low-earth-orbit satellite technology to improve communication services in remote areas. Officials also informed the Committee that telecom operators had been fined Rs4.3 billion during the last two years for service-related violations. The Committee was further briefed on operational challenges including electricity load-shedding, law and order issues and fibre optic cable cuts.
The Committee also reviewed the existing mechanism for SIM issuance where biometric verification fails. PTA informed members that exemptions currently exist in three categories subject to medical certificates or NADRA verification. The Chairman Committee directed PTA, in coordination with NADRA and telecom operators, to introduce alternative verification methods, including retina scanning and facial recognition through mobile applications, while strengthening safeguards against illegal SIM issuance.