Dr. Umar Saif, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, conducted a visit to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) headquarters. The Chairman of PTA, Major General (Rtd.) Hafeez ur Rehman, and other officials warmly welcomed the minister.
During the visit, Dr. Umar Saif received comprehensive briefings on PTA’s ongoing projects, overall performance, and affairs. He examined various sections, held meetings with officers and staff, and discussed crucial matters related to the telecom sector.
According to sources, Chairman PTA briefed the Federal Minister on various initiatives, including preparations for the auction of 5G spectrum, 3G/4G penetrations, mobile phone policy, cybersecurity measures, and more. Chairman PTA assured that the organization is ready for a 5G auction and will commence work after the allocation of frequencies by the Frequency Allocation Board and the issuance of policy directives by the federal government.
Following the visit, Dr. Umar Saif shared his thoughts on Twitter, stating,
“Wonderful to visit the offices of Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) to review the ongoing reforms of the telecom sector, accelerate spectrum auction, and introduction of 5G in Pakistan, and prepare to launch installments-based phones in Pakistan.”
In a meeting chaired by the Federal Minister of Information Technology, Dr. Umar Saif reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing the telecommunication sector. He directed PTA to extend national roaming facilities to motorways and national urban centers, going beyond coastal highways.
Dr. Umar Saif stressed on the importance of timely actions to address consumer complaints related to telecom operators. He urged the introduction of a mechanism enhancing PTA’s role in promoting public interests and social initiatives.
Highlighting the need for a collaborative platform, Dr. Umar Saif mentioned the establishment of a Telecommunications Tribunal to expedite issue resolution involving consumers, telecom operators, and PTA.
Emphasizing digital facilities for the public, Dr. Omar Saif underscored that payment gateways for subscribing to OTT platforms should be facilitated through the State Bank of Pakistan. He stressed the importance of prompt decisions through the SBP forum regarding national and public interests.
