Members of the National Assembly on Friday strongly criticised the persistent slowdown in internet services across the country, raising sharp questions about the government's push to launch 5G technology when existing 4G networks remain unreliable in several regions. MNA Aseefa Bhutto Zardari stated that internet speeds were severely lagging nationwide, noting that neither 4G nor 5G services were functioning properly in Nawabshah.
Stressing that robust connectivity was essential for all segments of society, particularly the business community, she invited the government to sit down with opposition members to collectively resolve the connectivity crisis. Joining the criticism, Panel of Chairpersons member Abdul Qadir Patel took a sarcastic dig at the proposed 5G rollout, asking why new technology was being introduced when internet speeds had deteriorated further since the incumbent administration took office.
Responding to the lawmakers, Parliamentary Secretary for Information Technology and Telecommunication Sahbeen Ghoury informed the House that 5G services would initially be stabilised across 24 cities before being expanded nationwide. Addressing widespread outages, she explained that internet disruptions in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan were primarily caused by security protocols, directives issued by the Ministry of Interior, ongoing law and order challenges, unannounced power load-shedding, and telecom equipment theft.
Ghoury shared that Pakistan currently boasts 210 million mobile subscribers, including 161.7 million mobile broadband users, representing a 38 per cent surge in mobile broadband adoption between 2021-22 and 2025-26. She clarified that the introduction of 5G would not lead to higher service tariffs, though consumers might see higher overall data bills due to increased usage from faster speeds.
Addressing health concerns raised by Pir Fazal Ali Shah Jillani regarding potential radiation from mobile towers, Ghoury acknowledged that while radiation risks could not be eliminated entirely, technological advancements had significantly minimised potential harmful effects. She assured the House that she would gather complete technical safety data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to share with members.
The IT Ministry also outlined future development plans, including a proposed $20 million Pakistan Venture Capital Fund to boost private investment in local technology startups, proposals to reduce mobile service taxes, and plans for duty-free imports of 5G equipment. Furthermore, the ministry disclosed an approved allocation of Rs 352.5 million for the SPARK and ELEVATE research and innovation programmes for FY 2026-27.
Aiming to fund 60 projects annually, Ghoury concluded by praising Pakistani youth, noting that four Air University students recently won first place in an international competition.