The Federal Government faced sharp criticism in the National Assembly on Thursday over slow internet speeds, with several members highlighting how connectivity issues were affecting official work.
During the session, multiple lawmakers raised concerns about sluggish internet across the country, noting that recent attempts to introduce a paperless system in Parliament were being hampered.
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Ghulam Mustafa Shah, told members that parliamentary proceedings were being automated to modernise operations and that the distribution of paper documents, including bills, would soon be phased out.
He added that all members had been provided with tablets to facilitate paperless procedures and improve performance, emphasising the government’s priority to minimise paper usage. At the session, MP Naima Kishwar complained about the poor internet connection.
Speaking in the Assembly, she said, “I am trying to use the paperless system, but due to a faulty internet connection, I have been unable to download documents for the past hour. The National Assembly Secretariat should resolve this issue immediately so that members have timely access to official materials.”
In response, the Deputy Speaker instructed relevant authorities to address the internet problem in the Assembly. Meanwhile, MP Dr.
Nafeesa Shah noted that members were not fully utilising tablets during sessions, possibly due to unfamiliarity with the devices.
MPs including Sharmila Farooqi raised broader concerns about slow internet across the country and questioned whether the recent spectrum auction would result in improved services for users.
Federal Minister for IT, Shiza Fatima Khawaja, responded to members’ queries, assuring that the recent spectrum auction was expected to enhance internet services by strengthening the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.
She also noted that stabilisation of the dollar had contributed to improvements in the telecom sector and infrastructure.
