Slow Internet Sparks National Assembly Alarm Over Digital Governance
Lawmakers in Islamabad raised serious concerns on Friday over slow internet services inside the National Assembly and across Pakistan, warning that poor connectivity is undermining official work, public access and the country’s digital ambitions. The issue came under discussion during parliamentary proceedings as members struggled to use the legislature’s paperless working system.
The debate began in the context of the National Assembly’s ongoing move toward digital documentation, a shift designed to reduce paper use and make proceedings more efficient. Members have been provided tablets to access bills, agenda items and other official documents, but several lawmakers said the system could not function properly without reliable internet.
JUI-F lawmaker Naeema Kishwer told the House that she had tried to use the paperless mechanism but could not download documents for nearly an hour because of weak connectivity. Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah later instructed the relevant officials to resolve the internet problem inside the assembly so that members could access parliamentary material without disruption.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja responded by assuring lawmakers that internet services were expected to improve following the recent spectrum auction. She said telecom operators had faced equipment-import difficulties after letters of credit were halted in 2022, while the later stabilisation of the dollar helped create better conditions for infrastructure investment.
The concerns were not limited to Parliament House. Lawmakers including Sharmila Faruqui questioned why internet users across the country continued to face poor speeds and whether the spectrum process would translate into better services for ordinary consumers. The discussion reflected growing frustration among citizens, businesses and institutions that depend on stable connectivity for daily operations.
The issue has broader significance because Pakistan has been pushing digital governance, online public services, remote work, e-commerce and technology exports as part of its economic strategy. Slow or unreliable internet can weaken productivity, delay official communication, discourage investors and reduce public confidence in digital reforms that are meant to modernise the state.
Members also used the session to highlight digital safety risks, including online fraud, harassment and theft of personal data. The IT minister said authorities regularly advise citizens not to share one-time passwords or PIN codes with strangers, while PPP lawmaker Shazia Marri urged a stronger and more organised public awareness campaign involving media platforms.
The debate shows that Pakistan’s digital transformation cannot succeed through devices and apps alone; it also requires dependable networks, public awareness and institutional support. The next test for the government will be whether the promised spectrum-related improvements quickly reach Parliament, businesses and ordinary users who continue to face connectivity problems.