Senate IT Committee Reviews Illegal Call Centers, FIA Performance, and Data Security Concerns
NAEEM MEHBOOB:
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, held a meeting to review several key issues, including illegal call centers, the performance of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and concerns related to citizens’ data security.
FIA officials informed the committee that 13 suspects have been named in first information reports (FIRs) linked to illegal call centers. According to the officials, the suspects extorted money from various call center operations.
Senator Rasheed said Pakistan is facing international criticism due to the existence of illegal call centers. He disclosed that millions of rupees were recovered from a sub-inspector, adding that internal accountability measures are under way. FIA officials told the committee that 271 FIA personnel have been internally disciplined this year for corruption and misconduct.
Senator Pervez Rasheed questioned the FIA’s overall performance, calling it a matter of serious concern and stating that the institution has lost its credibility. The committee chairperson echoed these concerns.
Senator Saadia Abbasi asked whether call centers are illegal in Pakistan. In response, officials from the Ministry of Information Technology clarified that the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) maintains records of registered call centers. They emphasized that it is incorrect to assume all call centers are illegal, noting that thousands of call centers are legally registered and operating across the country.
