The Data Protection Bill has been languishing for a number of years with the intention of protecting Pakistani users’ personal data. Security agencies have expressed worry about the absence of cross-border data protection, highlighting how urgently the measure needs to be passed.
The law has undergone several revisions since 2018, but progress has been hampered by stakeholder conflicts.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for IT, is currently leading the charge for its prompt ratification. The law is anticipated to be introduced in parliament in August, and the text must be finished by the end of July.
Facebook and other international social media giants have voiced concerns regarding specific aspects in the measure.
Shaza Fatima stated in a TV interview that “we have had two meetings with international stakeholders on the Data Protection Bill.”
She stated that they are working to find a solution for the main problem, which is cross-border data transfer. Shaza Fatima underlined, “We have stated that sensitive data cannot be allowed to cross borders.”
She recognized that the Pakistani government and foreign social media companies had different perspectives on cybersecurity and open data rules. She did, however, emphasize that the bill is not final. “International companies have been told that even after the approval of the bill in its current form, amendments can be made,” she stated.
The state minister promised that the law will be presented to parliament for approval in August when it was prepared.
