A financial controversy has emerged as the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom scrutinized Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd board members over their meeting fees and associated perks. PTCL officials informed the committee that while standard perks exist, board members receive specific fees for attending meetings, sparking questions about the magnitude of these payouts. The session revealed that government representatives on the board are earning significant sums in addition to their official salaries, raising concerns about compliance with Prime Minister directives and public accountability.
Documents obtained by TechJuice, including an official PTCL letter dated January 9, 2026, detailed the remuneration structure for board members. According to the letter, the Chairman receives USD 8,000 per meeting, while other directors are paid USD 5,000 for each session attended. Board committee members receive an additional USD 1,000 per meeting. Beyond meeting fees, the Chairman is entitled to a monthly honorarium of Rs. 25,000 and benefits that include a 1300cc vehicle with a driver. These figures have intensified criticism of lavish perks, particularly amid broader financial pressures faced by the organization.
Four government officials currently serve on PTCL’s board, comprising three secretaries and Federal Minister Ahad Cheema. As directors, these officials are receiving USD 5,000 for every board meeting, which the Senate committee noted as inconsistent with ethical expectations for government employees already earning a public salary. Senator Saadia Abbasi highlighted that paying such amounts contradicts Prime Minister directives, which capped fees at Rs. 1 million per meeting and mandated that excess payments be returned to the national treasury. At current exchange rates, the confirmed USD payouts far exceed the PM’s limit, indicating potential noncompliance with established orders.
The committee continues to evaluate the structure and its alignment with regulations, emphasizing the importance of accountability in state-run enterprises. PTCL officials defended the structure by clarifying that standard perks do not typically include such fees, but acknowledged that these payments exist and are formally documented. The disclosures have fueled ongoing debate over governance, transparency, and fiscal responsibility, underscoring the need for stricter oversight of corporate boards that include government representatives. The session also reflects broader concerns about maintaining alignment between official directives and organizational practices in state-owned companies.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
