Members of the National Assembly criticised the nationwide slowdown in internet services, questioning plans to introduce 5G technology while existing 4G networks remain unreliable in several areas.

During the October 23 session, MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari highlighted 4G and 5G connectivity problems in Nawabshah, stressing the importance of reliable internet for businesses and society. Abdul Qadir Patel also questioned the rationale for introducing 5G amid declining internet speeds and called for corrective measures.

Parliamentary Secretary for Information Technology and Telecommunication Sahbeen Ghoury said 5G services would initially be stabilised in 24 cities before nationwide expansion. She attributed disruptions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan to security measures, law and order issues, unannounced load-shedding and telecom equipment theft.

Ghoury said Pakistan had 210 million mobile subscribers, including 161.7 million mobile broadband users, with broadband adoption increasing by 38 per cent between 2021-22 and 2025-26. She said 5G would not directly increase service tariffs, although faster speeds could lead to higher data consumption and costs.

Addressing concerns about radiation from mobile towers, Ghoury said she would obtain technical safety data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for lawmakers. She added that the regulator monitored service quality and addressed consumer complaints.

The IT Ministry also outlined plans for a proposed $20 million Pakistan Venture Capital Fund, possible reductions in mobile service taxes and duty-free imports of 5G equipment. It said Rs 352.5 million had been allocated for the SPARK and ELEVATE research and innovation programmes for fiscal year 2026-27, targeting 60 projects annually across universities, research institutions and small and medium-sized enterprises.