NA panel questions PTCL's property sale
A parliamentary committee directed Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) to provide specific clauses of its sale and purchase agreements that authorise the company to proceed with the sale of its properties and expressed dismay over the absence of the firm's CEO.
"Where is the CEO of PTCL? How is PTCL selling properties worth billions of rupees?" The committee chairman termed the CEO's absence an insult to parliament.
He stated, "We summon the PTCL CEO and his continuous absence is an affront to the committee. We will not take up PTCL's agenda unless the CEO is present. If he is in Islamabad, then he must be called."
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication met on Monday under the chairmanship of Syed Aminul Haq.
PTCL officials informed the committee that the CEO was attending a meeting at the UAE embassy, to which the chairman responded that committee members had arrived from remote areas to attend the session and those who were unable to come were participating online.
"Scheduling a meeting at the UAE embassy on the same day when this session was going to be held is not appropriate," he remarked.
The chairman asked, "How is PTCL selling off properties worth billions of rupees?" The committee also summoned officials from the Ministry of Law for the next meeting. Furthermore, the committee instructed that in the next meeting, it must be ensured that the CEO of PTCL appears before the panel to respond to its queries.
The committee reconstituted its sub-committee, to be convened by Gohar Ali Khan, with the same composition and terms of reference.
Meanwhile, amid increasing data leak concerns, a new messaging application, branded as a local alternative to WhatsApp, is set for launch for government employees, which will be expanded in phases.
It was revealed by an official of the National Information Technology Board (NITB) while briefing the NA standing committee.
According to officials, Beep will support encrypted messaging, audio and video calls, and conference calling with over 100 participants, with an additional layer of security and data hosting within Pakistan. The committee was informed by Zarar Khan, Secretary of the Ministry of IT, that an assessment was under way while keeping in view the cybersecurity. "We are trying to address vulnerabilities and trying to ensure the launch by June 30," he added. The app would be rolled out across the country but in phases, the committee was informed.
Haque said that unlike WhatsApp, Beep's servers would be located in Pakistan. "Its data centre will be in Pakistan, ensuring 100% safety and security." Moreover, the committee was informed that the security agencies had responded to a letter from the Ministry of Interior, stating that due to the prevailing security and law and order situation, internet services in Panjgur district would remain suspended for the next six months.
The committee voiced concern over the three-year internet suspension in Panjgur, highlighting its impact on businesses and students. It decided to hold an in-camera session with the interior secretary for a detailed briefing on the law and order situation.
Committee member Pullain Baloch informed the meeting that people of his constituency had to travel 15 to 20 kilometres to access internet services. He added that PTCL's internet coverage in the area was nearly non-existent. In light of that, the committee directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman to conduct a survey of internet coverage in the region and submit a detailed report.
The NA committee reviewed the delayed Coding and DG Skills Programme, drawing sharp criticism from members. The chairman voiced frustration at the year-long delay, citing missed opportunities amid rapid AI advancements.
Ignite, the implementing body, attributed the delay to updating the content for current tech trends. They reported training 4.6 million students across 19 batches in 15 top freelancing courses, with 28% female participation. A 2024 survey showed trainees generated $1.65 billion in revenue.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Kandahar schools ban smartphones citing sharia and discipline
An Afghan money changer checks a smartphone at his foreign currency kiosk along a road in Kabul on June 18, 2025. Photo: AFP Listen to article A ban on smartphones in schools issued by Taliban authorities in southern Afghanistan came into force, students and teachers confirmed to AFP on Wednesday, over concerns of "focus" and "Islamic law". The directive by the provincial Education Department in Kandahar applies to students, teachers and administrative staff in schools and religious schools. "This decision has been made to ensure educational discipline, focus", the statement said, adding that it was taken from a "sharia perspective" and that smartphones contribute to "the destruction of the future generation". The policy, which has already taken effect in schools across the province, has divided opinion among teachers and students. Read More: Taliban ban windows to prevent women's 'exposure' "We did not bring smart phones with us to school today", Saeed Ahmad, a 22-year-old teacher, told AFP. "I think this is a good decision so that there is more focus on studies," he added. Mohammad Anwar, an 11th grader, said "the teachers are saying if anyone is seen bringing a phone, they will start searching the students." Another 12th-grade student, refusing to give his name, said the ban would hinder learning in a country where girls are barred from secondary school and university as part of restrictions the UN has dubbed "gender apartheid". "When the teacher writes a lesson on the board, I often take a picture so I could write it down later. Now I can't. This decision will negatively affect our studies." The ban has also taken root in religious schools known as madrassas. "Now there's a complete ban. No one brings smartphones anymore," Mohammad, 19 years old madrassa student said. A number of countries have in recent years moved to restrict mobile phones from classrooms such as France, Denmark and Brazil. Also Read: Senior Taliban official urges reversal of education ban on Afghan girls The Taliban authorities have already introduced a ban on images of living beings in media, with multiple provinces announcing restrictions and some Taliban officials refusing to be photographed or filmed. The Taliban's Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada called last week on officials and scholars to reduce their use of smartphones. "This is the order of the leaders, and we must accept it," a 28-year-old security forces member told AFP without giving his name as he was not authorized to speak to the media. "I have now found a brick phone ... I used WhatsApp on my smartphone sometimes, but now I don't use it anymore," he added. Some Taliban officials in Kandahar have started sharing their numbers for brick phones and switching off online messaging apps.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business Recorder
Smartphones banned from schools in Afghan Taliban's heartland
AFGHANISTAN: A ban on smartphones in schools issued by Taliban authorities in southern Afghanistan came into force, students and teachers confirmed to AFP on Wednesday, over concerns of 'focus' and 'Islamic law'. The directive by the provincial Education Department in Kandahar applies to students, teachers and administrative staff in schools and religious schools. 'This decision has been made to ensure educational discipline, focus', the statement said, adding that it was taken from a 'sharia perspective' and that smartphones contribute to 'the destruction of the future generation'. The policy, which has already taken effect in schools across the province, has divided opinion among teachers and students. 'We did not bring smart phones with us to school today', Saeed Ahmad, a 22-year-old teacher, told AFP. 'I think this is a good decision so that there is more focus on studies,' he added. Mohammad Anwar, an 11th grader, said 'the teachers are saying if anyone is seen bringing a phone, they will start searching the students.' Afghan Taliban commander issues warning to TTP Another 12th-grade student, refusing to give his name, said the ban would hinder learning in a country where girls are barred from secondary school and university as part of restrictions the UN has dubbed 'gender apartheid'. 'When the teacher writes a lesson on the board, I often take a picture so I could write it down later. Now I can't. This decision will negatively affect our studies.' 'Complete ban' The ban has also taken root in religious schools known as madrassas. 'Now there's a complete ban. No one brings smartphones anymore,' Mohammad, 19 years old madrassa student said. A number of countries have in recent years moved to restrict mobile phones from classrooms such as France, Denmark and Brazil. The Taliban authorities have already introduced a ban on images of living beings in media, with multiple provinces announcing restrictions and some Taliban officials refusing to be photographed or filmed. The Taliban's Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada called last week on officials and scholars to reduce their use of smartphones. Russia accepts Taliban's nominated ambassador to Moscow 'This is the order of the leaders, and we must accept it,' a 28-year-old security forces member told AFP without giving his name as he was not authorized to speak to the media. 'I have now found a brick phone … I used WhatsApp on my smartphone sometimes, but now I don't use it anymore,' he added. Some Taliban officials in Kandahar have started sharing their numbers for brick phones and switching off online messaging apps.
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business Recorder
WhatsApp ‘concerned' services to be blocked after Iran calls to delete app
WASHINGTON: WhatsApp said it was 'concerned' that its services would be blocked in Iran after a state broadcaster urged the public to delete the messaging app, saying it was sharing data with arch-rival Israel. State television IRIB appealed to Iranians on Tuesday to delete WhatsApp from their phones, alleging that the app collected users' personal data and 'last known locations and communications,' and shared them with Israel. On Wednesday, Israel and Iran exchanged fire for the sixth straight day, with Israel saying it struck a nuclear site near Tehran. A WhatsApp spokesperson dismissed the IRIB claims, saying all messages sent on the app were 'end-to-end encrypted,' with only the sender and recipient able to access them. Two Iranian centrifuge production sites destroyed: IAEA 'We're concerned these false reports will be an excuse for our services to be blocked at a time when people need them the most,' the spokesperson told AFP. 'We do not track your precise location, we don't keep logs of who everyone is messaging and we do not track the personal messages people are sending one another,' they said. WhatsApp also does not 'provide bulk information to any government.' Israel launched a massive bombing campaign against Iran on Friday that has hit nuclear and military facilities, as well as residential areas. Iran has responded by launching missiles and drones, and early Wednesday said it had fired hypersonic missiles at Israel. Tehran announced Friday that it was placing temporary restrictions on the internet for the duration of the conflict. Numerous sites and apps have since been at least partially inaccessible. The authorities appealed to the public on Tuesday to 'minimize their use of equipment connected to the internet and to take appropriate precautions' online. For their own safety, civil servants and their security teams have been banned from using any connected devices, including smartphones, watches and laptops during the Israeli air offensive. In the wake of nationwide protests triggered by the 2022 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, Iranian authorities had blocked several apps and online services, including WhatsApp.
