The Ministry of Information Technology (IT) has prepared a draft bill for personal data protection, amid growing fears about sensitive information being sold on the dark web. During a meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that no telecom-related data had been leaked on the dark web in the past two years. However, he acknowledged that other sensitive information was still being compromised and stressed the urgent need for a national framework on data security.
The session, chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, reviewed alarming reports of data theft, telecom services, and preparations for the upcoming 5G spectrum auction. The PTA Chairman revealed that an internal investigation had been conducted in 2022, while the Ministry of Interior is currently leading a formal probe into ongoing leaks. He highlighted that data is often stolen from individual institutions, compiled, and then sold on illegal platforms. Senator Afnan Ullah Khan warned that the absence of strong personal data protection laws could leave the country more vulnerable. The committee chairperson also shared a personal experience of receiving a fraudulent bank call, further underlining the ease with which fraudsters access private data.
Committee members expressed frustration over the delay in introducing data protection legislation. Officials from the IT Ministry assured that a draft bill is ready and stakeholder consultations are ongoing. However, Senator Afnan Ullah emphasized that further delays could expose Pakistan to serious cyber threats.
Apart from data protection, the Senate committee discussed multiple telecom-related issues. A telecom company had recovered additional charges worth Rs6 billion from consumers. At the request of auditors, the matter has been referred to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), and PTA has submitted supporting documents. Senator Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto raised concerns over frequent call drops and weak coverage, especially along the Karachi-Sukkur Motorway, urging immediate corrective action. The long-delayed merger between Ufone and Telenor was also reviewed, with officials from the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) stating it is now in its final stages and expected within two weeks, though some senators doubted whether it could realistically be completed in that timeframe.
Officials further confirmed that the 5G spectrum auction will be held in December 2025. PTA representatives said they are fully prepared for the rollout, though some outstanding regulatory issues still need resolution. Lawmakers warned that delays in legislation and unresolved telecom challenges could expose the country to serious risks, making swift government action more critical than ever.