The latest Auditor General (AG) report on the telecom sector has revealed serious violations, including irregularities by PTCL, the Special Communications Organisation (SCO) and overcharging of customers by private operators such as Jazz.
According to the report, Jazz, Pakistan largest telecom operator, collected an additional Rs. 6.58 billion from consumers in 2023-24 by charging rates higher than those approved by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The report has called for a full inquiry to fix responsibility for the overcharging.
The audit also pointed out that PTCL, despite repeated instructions from the Supreme Court, the Public Accounts Committee and requests from the Auditor General has refused to open its accounts for review. PTCL was also found guilty of failing to clear dues and committing several financial irregularities linked to regulatory bodies such as the Universal Service Fund (USF) and the Frequency Allocation Board.
In addition, the report flagged irregularities of Rs. 3.54 billion in SCO, a state-owned entity working in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. These included procurement issues of Rs. 1.33 billion and excess payments worth Rs. 2.21 billion, especially in overpriced equipment purchases and inflated operating expenses.
READ MORE: Audit Reveals Jazz Took Rs6.58 Billion Extra From Mobile Users
The AG report further criticised the PTA’s failure to regulate the sector, noting that its blanket approval for quarterly tariff increases of up to 15% compromised consumer protection. It also highlighted the pending case of Zong illegal spectrum use worth Rs. 53.54 billion, which remains unresolved in court.
The report urged the government to take immediate action, hold responsible officials accountable and strengthen regulation to protect telecom users.
