Federal Minister for Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has requested Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif to conduct a formal inquiry into allegations about financial integrity leveled against her and the IT Secretary.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday alongside Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Khawaja addressed the controversy that embroils her office.
“I want to say that in this whole matter, I have also requested the Prime Minister of Pakistan that the allegations leveled against me and my secretary regarding media and financial integrity, I have requested the Prime Minister to conduct a proper inquiry into this,” Khawaja said.
The minister stated that she will accept the outcome of the investigation. “If there is any kind of shortcoming or flaws on our end, whatever the Prime Minister decides, we are responsible, and we will take full responsibility for it as he says,” she added.
However, Khawaja maintained that she and the IT Secretary reserve the right to pursue legal recourse if the investigation clears them of wrongdoing. “But if this is not the case, then we have all the legal options available, and then, it is our right which the constitution and all the laws provide us. We will then consider taking it in that direction and will consult with legal counsel and everyone involved.”
The allegations surface amidst scrutiny over the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The federal government denied claims that the IT ministry prepared the legislation to provide benefits to any specific individual or company. According to the government, the proposed bill intends to modernize the telecommunications framework and improve the investment climate.
Khawaja stated that the current Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act, 1996, was enacted during the 2G technology era and fails to meet the regulatory demands of 5G and next-generation connectivity.
The National Assembly approved the proposed bill on June 11, though a special committee subsequently suggested changes to its language following controversy over multiple clauses.
The minister stated that the bill aims to facilitate investment in digital infrastructure, expand high-speed internet access, and address long-standing challenges related to the right of way for fibre-optic networks and telecom towers.
