ISLAMABAD:
## Challenges in Data Protection Legislation
On Thursday, the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications discussed significant external pressures influencing Pakistan’s stance on data protection laws. The meeting, led by Senator Palwasha Khan at the Parliament House, highlighted ongoing efforts by the IT ministry to draft a comprehensive Data Protection Bill. This initiative is currently accompanied by consultations with various stakeholders to ensure a balanced approach.
### External Pressures on Legislation
Senator Afnanullah of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) brought attention to alarming international influences discouraging Pakistani lawmakers from implementing data protection regulations. He warned that the absence of such legislation could result in substantial financial losses for the nation. “The black market for data theft is already worth billions,” he stated, underscoring the urgency for effective legal frameworks to safeguard citizens’ personal information.
### Data Security Concerns
The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (retd) Hafeezur Rehman, provided a startling update during the committee meeting. He confirmed that the sensitive data of Pakistani citizens is increasingly surfacing on the dark web. “For instance, the personal information of approximately 300,000 Hajj applicants has been compromised,” he revealed. This breach necessitates a thorough investigation, which has now escalated to the Interior Ministry following an inquiry launched in 2022.
### Transparency in Governance
Senators expressed dissatisfaction over the compensation packages received by board members of state-run telecom companies. Senator Kamran Murtaza pointed out that these members receive $5,000 per meeting, along with opportunities for international travel. “Perhaps we should also be included on such boards,” he joked, highlighting the disconnect between public service and financial perks.
Additionally, the IT ministry faced criticism for its failure to present the Data Protection Bill, despite previous commitments to do so. Senator Khan emphasized the need for accountability in the appointment processes of members associated with entities like the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Ufone, advocating for greater transparency.
## Internet Connectivity Challenges
In a parallel discussion during the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT meeting, officials from the Ministry of Information Technology addressed issues affecting internet speeds across Pakistan. The ministry attributed recent sluggish connectivity to damage sustained by submarine cables off the coast of Yemen.
### Impact of Undersea Cable Disruptions
IT and Telecom Secretary Zarrar Hashim Khan explained that not just one or two, but several submarine cables have been cut in this region, impacting Pakistan’s internet infrastructure. “Two of the primary cables supplying Pakistan have been affected, prompting telecom companies to reroute bandwidth through alternative paths. Full restoration is expected to take four to five weeks,” he stated, illustrating the extent of the connectivity crisis.
The committee was informed that special ships are required for the repair work, further complicating the situation. Fortunately, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon; three additional submarine cables are scheduled to become operational within the next 12 to 18 months, which will enhance Pakistan’s direct connectivity with Europe. The associated agreements for these new cables have already been finalized.
### Questions on Future Infrastructure
Committee member Sadiq Memon expressed concern over the recurring connectivity issues, interrogating why these problems persist despite the planned enhancements. The secretary reiterated that the multiple cable cuts off Yemen have had a drastic effect on Pakistan’s internet connectivity, emphasizing the pressing need for a resilient and robust infrastructure.
