During a recent NA committee meeting, IT minister Shaza Fatima revealed that a five-year telecom plan has been prepared on the prime minister’s instructions, along with a connectivity plan extending to 2030.
She said the prime minister will launch the connectivity plan in the coming weeks.
She also confirmed the merger of two major telecom companies and stated that preparations are underway for the launch of 5G.
Rs. 13 Billion USF Projects Approved
The minister also informed the committee that USF approved 13 billion rupee projects this year. A thorough explanation of these projects was requested by the standing committee.
The members of the committee, according to the chairman of the committee, are dissatisfied with the PTA’s performance, and the chairman added that what is depicted on paper does not correspond to the actual situation.
The chairman of the committee emphasized that the 5G auction should be held as soon as possible and said that service quality should take precedence over fees in dollars.
Committee members also highlighted ongoing power supply issues at telecom towers. Shaza Fatima stated that global outsourcing of telecom towers is the only viable option for resolving these issues.
Tower companies and officials from USF were invited to the following meeting by the committee.
Islamabad and Karachi IT Park Update
IT park projects were also discussed with the committee. The project director said the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Karachi IT Park is at the final stage, and the tender will be floated by the end of this month.
He stated that negotiations with the EXIM Bank are ongoing, a tender for contractor selection will be issued, and the contract will be concluded within three months.
According to the project director, work on the Islamabad IT Park is moving quickly, the contractor has added more workers, and 98% of the structure is finished.
Shaza Fatima said 80% of work at the Islamabad IT Park has been completed, with 60% completed in just one year. The project director said efforts are underway to complete the project by January 2026.
The Islamabad IT Park must be completed by February 28 at the earliest, as directed by the committee chairman. Shaza Fatima stated that the prime minister frequently inquires about project updates.
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