Pakistani lawmakers show concern after pager, phone blasts in Lebanon

The recent explosions involving pagers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon echoed in the Senate’s Science and Technology Committee meeting, prompting concerns about the safety of mobile phones in Pakistan.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the committee meeting on Wednesday chaired by Senator Kamil Ali Agha and discussed whether mobile phones used in Pakistan could pose a similar risk.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Senator Shibli Faraz pointed out that the incidents in Lebanon have alarmed many, asking, "Does Pakistan have the technology to test mobile phones for such risks?"

Shibli Faraz lamented that the focus of science and technology in Pakistan seems to have reduced to testing beverages and pickles, instead of more critical technological issues.

Committee Chairman Kamil Ali Agha shared his concerns, stating, "These are not just phones, but bombs we carry close to our chests. What guarantee do we have that they won’t explode?"

Kamil Ali Agha added that he knew of several families who have stopped their children from using mobile phones after hearing about the Lebanon incidents.

The committee directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to provide a detailed briefing on mobile phone testing and safety measures in the next session.

Reporter: Rozina Ali