An in-camera session of the subcommittee on IT and Telecom, chaired by Zulfiqar Ali, was held to deliberate on the long-standing issue of unpaid dues amounting to billions, owed by Long Distance International (LDI) telecom operators. The meeting, which took place under confidentiality at the request of the Ministry of Law and Justice, aimed to identify a viable mechanism for resolving the prolonged payment disputes that have persisted for years within the sector. Despite extended discussions and multiple briefings from relevant ministries, the committee was unable to reach a consensus or final decision on the matter.
Sources close to the proceedings revealed that the absence of Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja played a significant role in the lack of progress during the meeting. Senior officials, including the Secretary of Law and the Additional Attorney General, provided updates on ongoing legal cases concerning the disputed dues. PTA had previously issued determination orders following hearings with LDI firms, but several operators secured stay orders from courts, halting enforcement of the regulatory decisions. These legal interventions have complicated recovery efforts and delayed the settlement process, creating financial uncertainty within the telecom sector.
During the meeting, the committee reviewed various proposals submitted by the LDI companies. Reports indicated that several firms expressed willingness to pay the principal dues in installments, whereas others maintained that they would wait for court verdicts, even for the principal amounts. Ministry officials clarified that any approval for installment-based payments would fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of IT rather than PTA. This overlapping authority has further contributed to procedural delays, underscoring the need for more structured coordination between regulatory and policy-making entities.
Members of the subcommittee emphasized the importance of expediting judicial processes in telecom-related disputes, noting that prolonged litigation has a direct impact on both revenue recovery and industry confidence. They highlighted that the establishment of a dedicated Telecom Tribunal could provide a specialized platform for swift dispute resolution, preventing future delays in financial settlements. According to officials, the Ministry of Law holds the responsibility for appointing the chairman and members of the Tribunal. The absence of a fully operational Tribunal has left multiple financial cases unresolved, affecting not only government collections but also regulatory enforcement.
The committee is expected to reconvene after further consultation with key stakeholders to outline a practical framework for resolving the issue. With billions of rupees at stake, the pending decision continues to draw attention within policy and industry circles, as stakeholders await a mechanism that can balance legal mandates, financial recovery, and industry sustainability.
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