Senate IT committee approves Digital Nation Pakistan Bill despite opposition concerns

The Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom approved the Digital Nation Pakistan Bill 2025 despite opposition votes against the legislation.

The bill, aimed at transforming Pakistan into a digital economy, was passed by a majority vote, with four members in favor and two opposing it.

The committee's meeting, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, featured detailed discussions and a briefing by the Ministry of IT and Telecom on the proposed legislation. Opposition senators, including Kamran Murtaza and Saifullah Niazi, expressed their reservations and voted against the bill.

Key features of the bill

The bill seeks to establish a 17-member Digital Nation Commission, to be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The commission will include the four provincial chief ministers, six federal ministers, and key officials from institutions such as the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Securities Exchange Commission Pakistan (SECP), Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR), the State Bank of Pakistan, and the Pakistan Digital Authority.

The commission will oversee the development of a National Digital Master Plan, approve infrastructure and policy recommendations, and facilitate coordination between federal and provincial governments. It will also review and endorse proposals from the Pakistan Digital Authority.

Debate and amendments

Senator Kamran Murtaza proposed amendments, including changes to Section 7, which were ultimately rejected. He criticized the haste in passing the bill and questioned whether written input had been sought from provincial governments.

His amendment to Section 7(1) entailed appointing four members from all provinces to the Pakistan Digital Authority, replacing the Prime Minister's authority to appoint the chairperson and two additional members.

He also proposed deleting Section 23, which grants indemnity to commission members and officials for actions taken in good faith, and Section 27, which allows the federal government to issue policy directives to the authority while maintaining its operational autonomy.

In his statement, the Senator argued that the bill violates the constitution and fundamental rights, as it addresses a devolved subject. He emphasized the need to address the bill's loopholes to ensure social justice and equity.

The standing committee rejected the three amendments by a majority vote.

'Provincial input unnecessary'

Ministry of Law representatives countered that provincial input was unnecessary for matters under federal jurisdiction, assuring that provincial chief ministers would provide feedback once part of the commission.

During the meeting, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) Senator Anusha Rehman highlighted the bill’s potential to secure international funding for digital initiatives, questioning whether a mechanism had been established to ensure equitable distribution of funds to provinces.

The Ministry of IT responded that sectoral plans under the master plan would guide provincial funding allocations, which would be decided by the National Digital Commission.

It further revealed that the World Bank has approved $78 million for the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (Deep Project), which will support the commission’s initiatives. The commission, described as a high-level decision-making body, will ensure the provinces receive their respective shares in digital development.

Senator Rehman further raised concerns over NADRA’s role, alleging the organization’s involvement in selling biometric data and its potential conflict with the Ministry of IT. She supported the bill, arguing it addressed data-sharing issues with NADRA.

However, Senator Manzoor Kakar voiced apprehensions about bureaucratic inefficiencies consuming funds meant for provincial development.

The absence of Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima drew criticism from the committee chairperson. However, the ministry officials informed that the minister was absent due to the death of a close relative.

Data protection concerns

The absence of a data protection framework remained a contentious point.

Senator Palwasha Khan criticized the Ministry of IT for its failure to introduce a Data Protection Bill, stating, “How can we move towards a digital Pakistan without proper data protection?”

The ministry assured the committee that consultations with stakeholders on the Data Protection Bill were ongoing.

Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan of PTI previously denounced the bill as a tool for digital surveillance.

In a statement, he alleged that the legislation would enable unchecked monitoring of citizens, claiming, “The government wants no one to know what’s happening behind closed doors.”

He further accused intelligence agencies of controlling digital infrastructure and degrading internet services to stifle dissent.

Despite PTI’s opposition and concerns over governance and privacy, the bill was approved with a majority vote. It will now proceed to the Senate for further debate and potential ratification.