Islamabad, Jan 11: The federal cabinet has recently approved a significant amendment to the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organisation) Act, 1996, aimed at standardizing the pay packages of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman and its members.
This move follows audit objections regarding the allowances claimed by PTA officials, which were previously based on MP-I and MP-II pay scales, coupled with additional allowances granted under senior executive grades.
However, Audit authorities recommended limiting allowances to those under the MP scales, causing a disagreement with the Law and Justice Division.
To address this confusion and ensure clarity, the PTA sought an amendment to Section 3(7) of the Act.
The proposal recommended granting the prime minister the authority to set salaries and benefits for PTA officials.
It cited comparisons with other regulatory bodies like Ogra, Nepra, and the Special Technology Zones Authority, where the federal government or prime minister sets remuneration packages.
These comparisons highlighted the need for uniformity across similar regulatory authorities.
In a recent cabinet meeting, concerns were raised regarding the inconsistencies in the PTA’s pay structure when compared to other regulatory bodies.
The Cabinet Division proposed aligning the PTA with other regulators by amending Section 3(7), thus eliminating the existing ambiguities.
The goal was to create a more transparent and standardized approach to remuneration for PTA officials, fostering consistency and eliminating disparities.
The federal government will decide the remuneration for PTA’s chairman and members for their terms, as stipulated by the approved amendment. The Ministry of Law reviewed the draft amendment before presenting it to the cabinet, which approved it.
This decision aims to streamline pay structures for PTA officials and promote consistency across all regulatory authorities under the federal government’s jurisdiction.
By adopting this amendment, the government aims to enhance the transparency and fairness of compensation practices within the PTA, ensuring they align with other key regulatory bodies in the country.
