The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom, led by Senator Palusha Khan, met to discuss the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025. The group examined the bill’s details, including its provisions and proposed changes. Senators expressed a range of views, showing both support for and concerns about the legislation.
Senator Kamran Murtaza objected to parts of the bill, questioning why it was being rushed and expressing concerns over the lack of careful discussion. He asked, “What is the hurry with this bill?” He also suggested changes to Section 7, claiming it infringes on provincial rights. Senator Manzoor Kakar supported these concerns, highlighting that the funding distribution in the new law may not ensure that provinces get their fair share.
Senate Committee Passes Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025 Amid Heated Debate
The Ministry of Law, through its officials, responded to the objections by claiming that the bill is under federal authority. Representatives from the ministry stated that the federal government is acting within its current powers. They added that a commission created by the bill would serve as the main body for decision-making. The Secretary of the Ministry of IT and Telecom confirmed that they considered provincial contributions and would distribute grants based on sector plans.
Funding Issues and Engaging Stakeholders
The meeting discussed international grants, with Senator Manzoor Kakar asking about World Bank funding. The Secretary of IT and Telecom revealed that the DEEP project received $78 million to help implement the bill. Senator Anusha Rehman highlighted the need for transparency and a system to ensure funds are distributed across the provinces.
Senator Palusha Khan expressed her worries about the unfinished Data Protection Bill. She questioned how Pakistan could advance in technology without ensuring data security. She suggested that if the IT Ministry cannot produce its own bill, it should hold public hearings on Senator Afnan’s proposal. The Secretary of IT and Telecom replied that they are currently consulting with stakeholders and actively working on a complete data protection framework.
Anusha Rehman expressed strong concerns about NADRA’s actions, claiming they misuse personal information. She stated that NADRA sells people’s fingerprints and shares data during elections. Rehman pointed out that the Digital Nation Bill 2025 aims to fix these issues by implementing stricter rules and better oversight.
Approval Amidst Conflicting Views
The committee approved the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025 after a heated debate. The vote showed four in favor and two against, with Senators Kamran Murtaza and Saifullah Niazi opposing the bill. Senate also considered amendments to Section 7 proposed by Senator Kamran Murtaza, but these did not pass.
The approval of this bill is an important move for Pakistan’s digital progress. It creates a National Digital Commission to guide the creation of specific plans and attract international funding for the goals of becoming a “Digital Nation.”
Future Impact
The Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025 could change the country’s IT and telecom sectors dramatically. It aims to improve digital infrastructure, bring in new technologies, and ensure fair access to resources. The goal is to make Pakistan a leader in the digital world.
Challenges still exist. Without a strong framework for data protection and clear accountability, worries about privacy and fair resource distribution may slow down progress. If this bill is put into action properly, it could speed up digital change, reduce the gap in technology access, and boost economic growth by bringing an international investments and encouraging innovation in the IT and telecom industries.
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