The National Assembly panel was informed on Monday that internet services in Panjgur district will continue to be suspended for another six months due to security concerns.
According to the committee, security agencies responded to a letter from the Ministry of Interior, stating that, given the current security and law and order situation in the district, internet services would remain suspended for the next half-year.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology, chaired by Aminul Haq, was told that this decision was officially communicated by the security agencies in response to the interior ministry’s request for an update on the situation.
The committee expressed serious concerns, noting that internet services in Panjgur have already been suspended for the past three years, severely impacting local residents—particularly students and the business community. In light of this, the committee decided to hold an in-camera session, where the Secretary of Interior would provide a detailed briefing on the security situation that necessitates the prolonged internet blackout.
Pullain Baloch, a National Party lawmaker, told the committee that people in his constituency (NA-258) have to travel 15 to 20 kilometers just to access the internet. He also highlighted that PTCL’s coverage in the area was virtually non-existent. As a result, the committee directed the PTA chairman to survey the internet coverage in the region and submit a detailed report.
The decision to keep internet services suspended was attributed to security concerns, as the NA panel was informed.
Separately, the committee was briefed about training programs under Ignite, where 4.6 million students have been trained in 19 batches across 15 top freelancing courses. Notably, 28% of those trained were women. The committee was further informed that, as of an October 2024 survey, freelancers and trainees from Ignite’s programs collectively generated $1.65 billion in revenue. Ignite also reported that it had introduced 10 new courses, bringing the total to 25, including those focused on artificial intelligence. The committee directed Ignite to provide a district-wise breakdown of student enrollments from Balochistan.
To improve female participation, the committee urged Ignite to boost female enrollment from the current 28% to at least 50% across various courses, promoting greater inclusion and economic empowerment of women.
The committee also noted the absence of the PTCL CEO and instructed that he appear in the next meeting. Lawmakers were told that PTCL was allegedly planning to sell some high-value assets. Consequently, the committee directed PTCL to present the relevant clauses in its sales and purchase agreements authorizing such sales.
Besides ministry officials, the meeting was attended by lawmakers Adil Khan Bazai, Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, Sadiq Ali Memon, Sharmila Sahiba Farooqui Hashaam, Ahmad Saleem Siddiqui, Pullain Baloch, Awais Haider Jakhar, and Umair Khan Niazi.
