The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has formally requested a comprehensive briefing from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom (MoITT) on a series of key developments, including the rationale behind free public WiFi services in Islamabad, the proposed expansion to the Metro Bus Service, and the establishment of a government-backed cryptocurrency council.
The upcoming committee meeting, scheduled for June 30, 2025, at the Old PIPS Hall, Parliament Lodges, will be chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan. The session is expected to delve deep into the policy logic, fiscal implications, and broader digital inclusion goals underpinning these initiatives.
One of the primary agenda points is the provision of free public WiFi in Islamabad. While the initiative has been welcomed by some as a step toward bridging Pakistan’s digital divide, lawmakers are demanding clarity on the sustainability of the project, cost allocation, and long-term plans, including potential rollout to high-traffic public transit systems like the Metro Bus Service. The senators are also likely to assess how public WiFi aligns with national cybersecurity and digital infrastructure goals.
In a separate but related matter, the committee has summoned senior officials from both MoITT and the Ministry of Finance to explain their roles in shaping the newly announced government council tasked with overseeing cryptocurrency regulation in Pakistan. With crypto assets gaining momentum globally, the formation of this council has drawn attention for its potential to impact the digital financial ecosystem. Lawmakers are seeking insights into the council’s mandate, operational structure, policy direction, and how it will harmonize with Pakistan’s broader digital finance and fintech strategies.
Further scrutiny is expected around the implementation of the recently enacted Digital Nation Pakistan Act, 2025. The committee has requested a detailed update from the MoITT on institutional reforms initiated under the Act and how various public and private stakeholders are being integrated into efforts to build an inclusive digital economy. The Act is seen as a cornerstone policy to position Pakistan for digital transformation, and its implementation progress will be under close review.
The committee also plans to examine the utilization of Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) funds by the MoITT and its affiliated departments for fiscal year 2024-25. Legislators have requested a project-wise breakdown of budget allocations and utilization percentages up to June 2025, as part of a broader push for transparency and accountability in technology-related public expenditures.
Another issue on the agenda is the controversy surrounding the reported launch of Pakistan’s first GPT-based AI platform, “Zahanat AI.” Questions have emerged following conflicting statements between the Minister for IT and the CEO of the National IT Board (NITB), leading to confusion about the project’s legitimacy. The committee is expected to investigate the claims and seek an official clarification.
Additionally, the committee will discuss the hiring process for the Director General (International Coordination) post, including the number of applicants, shortlisting procedures, and criteria used for final selection, in an effort to ensure transparency in government appointments.
The upcoming Senate session represents a significant oversight moment for Pakistan’s digital policy framework, encompassing connectivity, finance, artificial intelligence, and institutional governance in the tech sector.
