Tensions rose in a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom after PTCL declined to provide information regarding the auction of a property located on I.I. Chundrigar Road in Karachi. PTCL representatives told the committee that the state-owned company was not obligated to answer parliamentary inquiries on the matter. The refusal triggered frustration among lawmakers, who questioned the legal basis for the company’s autonomy in disposing of public assets.
The committee chairman, Syed Aminul Haq, expressed dissatisfaction over PTCL’s lack of cooperation and demanded clarity on the clauses that supposedly permit the company to independently sell properties without prior approval from the government. Despite repeated questions, PTCL officials only cited the company’s Memorandum of Association as their basis, without providing specific documentation to the panel. This raised further concerns among members about whether other state entities might also be engaging in property sales without required authorization.
Sher Ali Arbab joined other committee members in criticizing PTCL’s non-responsiveness, noting that public accountability is essential for entities operating under government ownership. Advisor to the PTCL President, Mazhar Hussain, asserted that the company is not bound to respond directly to the committee and suggested they approach the IT Ministry or Etisalat, which holds management control of PTCL. The company’s legal team, including Zahida Awan and Naveed Butt, maintained that PTCL had already responded to the ministry and fulfilled its obligations.
As the discussion escalated, committee member Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani called for a definitive resolution, highlighting the need for transparency and institutional clarity. The Privatization Commission’s representative also informed the committee that a confidentiality clause in the sale agreement with Etisalat restricts disclosure of details unless both parties consent.
In response, the committee chairman announced that an in-camera session would be scheduled by the end of the month, bringing together representatives from the IT Ministry, Law Ministry, Privatization Commission, and Etisalat. The purpose is to closely examine the sale and purchase agreement and determine the extent of PTCL’s legal authority in such transactions.
In a related discussion, the committee was briefed on upcoming Universal Service Fund projects in Tharparkar and Sargodha. PTA Chairman retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman also updated members about ongoing issues with LDI (Long Distance and International) operators. He revealed that nine operators have defaulted on payments totaling around Rs. 19 billion, with more than 100 cases currently pending in courts. While PTA has issued notices, six operators have expressed a willingness to settle dues, prompting suggestions for a structured installment-based recovery plan.
To manage the situation, a subcommittee led by Sher Ali Arbab was formed to create a recovery framework. The developments reflect increasing legislative scrutiny over telecom operations and unresolved regulatory issues concerning asset management and compliance with financial obligations.
