ISLAMABAD:
A parliamentary committee has directed Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) to present the clauses from its sale and purchase agreements that allow it to sell off its properties. The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication expressed strong disapproval of PTCL CEO’s absence from the meeting.
“Where is the PTCL CEO? How is PTCL selling off properties worth billions of rupees?” the chairman asked. He said that the CEO’s absence is a direct insult to the committee, adding, “We won’t proceed with PTCL’s agenda until the CEO appears. If he’s in Islamabad, he must be called here.”
The committee, led by Syed Aminul Haq, was informed that the CEO was attending a meeting at the UAE embassy. The chairman noted that this was inappropriate given that committee members had traveled from distant areas to attend the session, and others were participating online.
The committee has also called officials from the Ministry of Law to attend the next meeting. It insisted that the PTCL CEO must be present to respond to all inquiries.
Additionally, the committee reconstituted its sub-committee, which will now be chaired by Gohar Ali Khan and maintain the same composition and scope.
New Messaging App for Government Employees
Separately, officials from the National Information Technology Board (NITB) briefed the committee on a new messaging app called “Beep,” designed as a local alternative to WhatsApp for government employees. The app will be rolled out in phases and is expected to launch by June 30.
Beep will feature encrypted messaging, audio and video calls, and conference calls for over 100 participants, all hosted on servers within Pakistan for enhanced data security. “Unlike WhatsApp, Beep’s data center will be based in Pakistan, ensuring complete data protection,” said committee chair Haque.
The committee also learned that the Ministry of Interior had notified that internet services in Panjgur district would remain suspended for six more months due to the security situation. However, members voiced serious concerns over the three-year-long internet shutdown in Panjgur, noting its severe impact on local businesses and students.
Pullain Baloch, a committee member, shared that residents of his constituency must travel 15–20 km just to get internet access and that PTCL’s coverage is minimal in the area. In response, the committee directed the PTA chairman to conduct an internet coverage survey in Panjgur and provide a detailed report.
Updates on Coding and Skills Programme
The NA committee also discussed the delayed Coding and DG Skills Programme, with members criticizing the year-long delay. The chairman expressed disappointment, citing missed opportunities amid rapid advancements in AI.
Ignite, the program’s implementing body, explained that the delay was due to updating content to match current technology trends. Ignite reported that 4.6 million students have already been trained across 19 batches in 15 freelancing courses, with 28% female participation. A 2024 survey showed that program participants generated $1.65 billion in revenue.
