On July 14, a parliamentary committee voiced significant concerns regarding the unsatisfactory state of internet services across Pakistan, impacting both remote and major urban areas, including Karachi. The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Syed Amin ul Haque, discussed issues such as slow internet speeds and frequent call connection failures.

The committee was briefed by PTA Chairman Hafeez ur Rehman, who reported that following the 5G spectrum auction, the total available spectrum had increased from 274MHz to 754MHz. Despite this, 5G services, initiated in 22 cities, are currently operating on existing mobile towers and network infrastructure, with plans for new infrastructure in future phases to enhance service quality.

One significant issue highlighted was electricity shortages affecting telecommunications infrastructure, particularly mobile towers, leading to disrupted services and poor connectivity. The prolonged power outages, lasting up to 10 hours a day in some areas, were noted as a major hurdle in providing consistent telecom services.

The PTA has engaged with Nepra and relevant power companies to address these power issues, and the prime minister set up a high-level committee to find a sustainable solution for uninterrupted power supply to telecom towers.

The committee addressed the taxation on imported mobile phones. The PTA chairman clarified that 92% of smartphones used in Pakistan were locally manufactured or assembled, reducing the burden of import duties which apply predominantly to brands like Apple and Google Pixel. The committee urged the IT Ministry to encourage these global brands to set up local manufacturing or assembly facilities in Pakistan.