ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has expressed serious concern over the declining quality of mobile and internet services in Pakistan and decided to summon telecom companies to seek explanations for ongoing network problems.
During the committee meeting, Chairman Aminul Haque said mobile users were facing difficulties even while making basic phone calls, sometimes having to dial the same number several times before the call could connect. He observed that the quality of mobile and internet services had continued to decline despite the recent spectrum auction.
The committee also discussed efforts to bring Apple into Pakistan’s manufacturing sector. Engineering Development Board (EDB) Chief Executive Officer Hammad Mansoor told members that negotiations were underway to encourage Apple to establish manufacturing operations in the country.
Mansoor said efforts were also being made to arrange a meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Apple CEO John Ternus during the prime minister’s upcoming visit to the United States. He added that an Apple store had already been established in Pakistan and expressed hope that the company would eventually enter the local manufacturing market.
The committee was informed that 37 companies are currently manufacturing mobile phones in Pakistan, with more than 35 million devices produced locally so far. Members were told that major smartphone brands are manufacturing phones in the country, with Apple being the notable exception.
The committee directed the Ministry of IT and Telecommunications and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to provide detailed information on network quality at the next meeting and continue efforts to attract Apple to Pakistan.
The issue of taxes on imported mobile phones was also discussed, including a proposal concerning payment of taxes in instalments. A PTA representative clarified that the authority does not determine mobile phone taxes or decide how such taxes are paid in instalments, as these matters fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
