The Senate Standing Committee on IT & Telecom has raised serious questions over data security after reports of private data leaks involving citizens’ information worth billions of rupees surfaced online. In a recent meeting, PTA Chairman briefed lawmakers about ongoing concerns over data theft, confirming that SIM-related data was reported to have appeared on the dark web in 2022. He disclosed that SIM data is stored by telecom companies and that the Ministry of Interior instructed NCCIA to investigate the matter. Committee members questioned whether the data breach included every citizen’s information, to which the PTA Chairman responded that, based on his information, SIM data was involved. He revealed that even his own SIM data had been found on the dark web since 2022, intensifying concerns over the extent of the breach.
Senator Affanullah Khan stated that more than Rs. 65 billion is being earned from the sale of stolen data and emphasized the urgent need to enact laws to protect citizens’ personal information. Drawing comparisons to international incidents, he referenced Israel’s 2022 attack on Iran, where critical data was harvested from social media and online platforms, to underline the gravity of Pakistan’s situation. He further alleged that external pressure was being exerted to prevent Pakistan from introducing strong data protection legislation. The committee also criticized the Ministry of IT for failing to present a comprehensive data protection bill, with Senator Manzoor Ahmad questioning the absence of Federal Minister Shehzad Fatima from the meeting and expressing frustration over what he described as inefficiency in addressing the issue.
Adding to the alarm, the committee was informed that data of approximately 300,000 individuals who had applied for Hajj was discovered on the dark web. The revelation raised further concerns about the vulnerability of sensitive personal records. PTA Chairman stressed that data security is an issue of national importance, and Senator Affanullah suggested establishing a high-security data center to safeguard citizens’ information. These developments underscore the growing pressure on policymakers to prioritize cybersecurity measures and legislate effective protections for personal data.
Alongside data breaches, the committee also addressed internet connectivity issues in Balochistan. Senator Kamran Murtaza urged PTA to extend internet packages in the region due to ongoing service disruptions. PTA Chairman assured that extensions will be provided in areas where services have been restored. The meeting also covered the broader question of improving service quality nationwide. The chairperson remarked that spectrum auctions hold the key to resolving coverage gaps, although PTA officials pointed out that pending court cases over certain spectrum allocations could delay progress.
Security-related measures also came under discussion, particularly the use of firewalls and the Web Management System, which has been operational since 2005. PTA officials explained that the system is capable of blocking entire platforms but does not interfere with calls or SMS unless a user’s mobile device is compromised. PTA Chairman noted that such systems exist in many countries and stated that attempts have been made by foreign governments to introduce bugs into smartphones to access private information. Senator Affanullah proposed the creation of a locally developed app similar to WhatsApp to provide improved security, and the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of IT confirmed that the app is under development and currently undergoing security clearance.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
