Lawmakers raise concerns over slow internet as parliament moves towards paperless system
By Tanveer Ahmed :
Members of Pakistan’s National Assembly voiced frustration over slow internet services on Thursday as parliament continued efforts to shift towards a paperless working system aimed at modernising legislative procedures and reducing operational costs.
The issue was raised during a parliamentary session in which lawmakers complained that weak internet connectivity was affecting their ability to access official documents through the newly introduced digital system.
Deputy Speaker Ghulam Mustafa Shah told the House that parliamentary proceedings were being gradually automated as part of wider reforms intended to improve efficiency and minimise paper usage.
He said all members of the National Assembly had been provided with tablets to support paperless proceedings and facilitate access to bills, agendas and other parliamentary material through digital platforms.
However, despite repeated instructions from the chair, many lawmakers reportedly continued relying on printed documents instead of using the electronic system during House proceedings.
Naeema Kishwer, a lawmaker belonging to Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, told the House she had been unable to download parliamentary documents for nearly an hour because of poor internet connectivity inside parliament.
She urged the National Assembly Secretariat to resolve the issue quickly to ensure smooth legislative proceedings and timely access to official material.
The deputy speaker later directed relevant authorities to address internet-related problems within the parliament building.
About Author
