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A sub-committee of the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, chaired by Convener Zulfiqar Bhatti, expressed frustration over the failure of Long Distance and International (LDI) operators to form a representative committee while urging them to immediately clear their principal license dues. The panel made it clear that only the Telecom Tribunal will decide on late payment surcharges.
The convener reminded operators that they were directed to establish a three-member body for collective representation. However, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) informed lawmakers that six operators who received determination letters had already gone to court and obtained stay orders.
LDI representatives confirmed that license fees were paid. They expressed willingness to pay late surcharges in installments but stressed that the court had ruled the dispute would be resolved by the Telecom Tribunal. “The issue can only be settled after the establishment of the Telecom Tribunal,” one representative stated, adding that the final decision on late fees rests with the court.
The IT Secretary supported this stance, noting that the judiciary will determine the matter. Committee member Sharmila Faruqui, however, questioned why PTA should oppose installment payments if operators were ready to clear their dues. LDI representatives clarified that the principal amount was not in dispute, while the court would decide on additional charges.
PTA officials argued that operators’ conflicting statements had created confusion, but confirmed that a proposal on the matter had been prepared. The convener insisted that the principal amount must be deposited without delay. He directed that written submissions be obtained from all nine LDI operators on how they intend to pay.
“As for late payment charges, if the court has to decide, then let it be resolved there,” the convener said.
The committee also instructed LDI operators to prepare a formal proposal and submit it to PTA, outlining their payment plan for the principal amount. The IT Secretary added that the court has also sent a proposal that requires a government response.
The convener concluded that once written commitments are received, the committee will review them with the Ministry of IT before taking further steps. The subcommittee directed that LDI operators present their proposal at the next meeting.
