Senate panel concerned about data sale on dark web

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication on Thursday expressed concerns about the sale of Pakistani public data on the dark web, instructing the safeguarding of public data, including that of NADRA and banks.

Committee Chairman Senator Kauda Babar offered legislative support if needed for the protection of data.
The meeting was attended by senators Afnanullah Khan, Rubina Khalid, Sana Jamali, Seemi Ezdi, Sania Nishtar, Shahdat Awan, Ministry of IT secretary and NTC and Ignite CEOs.

A ministry official stressed the need for establishing a Computer Emergency Response Team to combat cyber threats, calling for public awareness on cyber security in Pakistan.

The official also briefed the committee on the National Cyber Security Policy approved in July 2021.

Senator Afnanullah Khan emphasised the importance of penetration testing through ethical hacking, an important step for ensuring data protection.

The committee also received a briefing from the Ignite CEO regarding its initiatives across the country.

Ignite has successfully established eight National Incubation Centres (NICs) in Pakistan, generating Rs15 billion in revenue, creating 128,000 jobs, and incubating over 1,400 startups.

The committee chairman commended Ignite for its role in enhancing the startup ecosystem, urging the establishment of NICs in more cities, especially in Balochistan, to benefit the youth in that region.

Additionally, the committee was briefed on the NTC infrastructure and services in Sindh and Balochistan. NTC, the official telecom and ICT service provider to the government of Pakistan, manages 128,000 connections and has established multiple data centres across the country.

Senator Babar expressed reservations about the high rates and quality of service provided by the NTC, urging improvements and offering legislative support, if needed.

The chairman also lamented the delay in the installation and provision of National Mobile Roaming Services, despite the allocated funding from the USF.

He directed to expedite the process, especially in Balochistan, to address connectivity issues faced by the people.