In a significant development, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has unveiled a draft ordinance aimed at the establishment of the Telecom Tribunal. This new institution is poised to revolutionize the resolution of disputes and cases concerning Pakistan’s telecom sector, bringing efficiency and expediency to the process.
Sources within the Ministry of IT have revealed that the draft ordinance has successfully completed a rigorous vetting process within the Ministry of Law and is now ready to progress to the next stages. The draft law will soon find its way to the federal government for approval, marking a crucial step towards its implementation.
Once it receives in-principle approval from the federal cabinet, the ordinance will be presented for endorsement by the President, marking a significant milestone in the establishment of the Telecom Tribunal. However, sources indicate that there might be a temporary hurdle to clear. The ordinance’s approval is currently on hold due to the ongoing Senate session. The green light for the ordinance can only be granted after the Senate session concludes for an indefinite period.
The Telecom Tribunal is set to be composed of three members, with the chairman hailing from the ranks of a High Court Judge or an individual with equivalent legal experience. One of the two remaining members will bring technical expertise to the table, while the other will offer financial acumen, ensuring a well-rounded team of experts to handle complex telecom-related cases.
It is important to note that introducing the ordinance during the ongoing Senate session will necessitate its presentation in the Senate, potentially leading to delays. The Telecom Tribunal Bill’s presentation in the Senate could further prolong the process, as it would require approval from the National Assembly, a step that might consume an additional three months, considering the election of a new National Assembly.
Once the Senate session adjourns, the ordinance will move closer to approval, with the Federal Cabinet and the President being the final stages of the process. The Ministry of IT and Telecom officials believe that the establishment of the Telecom Tribunal is a pivotal step in expediting the resolution of telecom-related disputes and cases, ultimately relieving the burden on the courts. This move is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire telecom sector.
