PTA has suspended the license of IJ Internet Services (Private) Limited for one month, or until the company clears its outstanding dues, in line with an enforcement order under Section 23 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996. The action follows the company’s failure to pay its Annual License Fee for the year ending June 30, 2022, along with the Late Payment Additional Fee, despite repeated notices and reminders from the regulator.
IJ Internet Services was granted a non-exclusive license in August 2014 to operate Data Class Value Added Services. Under its license conditions and regulatory provisions, the company is obligated to submit annual audited accounts and clear the Annual License Fee within 120 days after the end of each financial year. PTA records show that several reminders were issued between October 2022 and January 2025 via letters and emails, directing the company to make the required payment. Despite these communications, no compliance was received. On January 3, 2024, a Show Cause Notice was issued, giving the company seven days to pay its dues and thirty days to submit a written explanation.
A hearing was scheduled for May 9, 2024, at PTA Headquarters in Islamabad, but the company neither responded to the notice nor appeared for the proceedings. Additionally, it failed to provide an updated address as required by regulations. Even after a final deadline of January 31, 2025, the dues remained unpaid. With no engagement from the licensee, the hearing panel, comprising senior PTA officials, proceeded ex-parte, relying solely on the available record to make its decision. The suspension order clearly states that if the company fails to comply within the suspension period, its license will be terminated without further notice.
PTA has also directed all Long Distance International, Local Loop, Telecommunication Infrastructure Provider, and mobile operators to suspend any telecom facilities provided to IJ Internet Services until further instructions are issued. The enforcement action underscores PTA’s stance on regulatory compliance and timely payment of license-related fees, ensuring that operators maintain adherence to the obligations outlined in their licenses and the governing telecom laws.
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