MCIT: The Nationwide distribution of electronic Identity cards to begin soon

Mohammad Fahim Hashmi acting Minister of Communications and Information Technology attended the meeting of Telecommunication Commission of the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House) and answered the questions of the members of the Commission on Tuesday, October 22, 2019.

The Internet high prices, sale of unregistered SIM cards and the transgressions of the telecommunications companies were among the concerns of MPs that minister Hashimi answered.

Mohammed Fahim Hashimi minister Communications and telecommunications technology said that MCIT is a policy maker institution, the overseeing telecommunications networks is a direct responsibility of the ATRA.

In terms of allegations that telecommunication companies follow Taliban’s orders he said that "The government's economic policies are in line with the private sector, H. E. president’s priority in the economic sphere is also supporting the private sector. Telecommunication companies must also follow the policies of the government, otherwise they are Taliban aligned.

On concerns about telecommunications companies violating laws and imposing excessive rates on people Mohammed Fahim Hashimi said: that the companies that have violated telecommunications rule have undoubtedly been fined. In the past, we have fined several companies for breaking the rules.

Minister of MCIT on problems in the post office also said that reforms had been made in that office he mentioned that in the past transfer rate was 72-hour, now being completed at 24 hours and the Post Offices have become electronically connected to the central office.  

Mohammed Fahim Hashimi also said that the activities of the state-owned Salam Telecom Company, has its own rules on selling SIM cards, and that the offenders will be punished if the company sells unregistered SIM cards.

Minister Hashemi said that unnecessary contracts of Salaam Telecom Network have been ruled out.

Minister Hashimi assured that distribution of electronic ID cards will soon begin across the country.