Islamabad, Apr 7, 2025: The Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Major General (Retired) Hafeez Ur Rehman, warned the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology on Monday that revoking the licenses of defaulting Long Distance and International (LDI) operators could severely affect the country’s mobile services, halting 50% of them, and potentially block 40% of ATMs.
During the briefing, the PTA head revealed that nine LDI companies owe substantial dues, and five operators have already settled Rs. 64 billion
The outstanding balance stands at Rs. 24 billion, with five companies willing to pay Rs. 8.2 billion in installments.
However, the remaining Rs. 16 billion is associated with companies that refuse to pay.
Show-cause notices have been issued, and the threat of license revocations is still in play.
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The PTA chairman stressed, however, that the PTA does not have the legal power to approve installment-based recovery without proper authorization.
Federal Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima, supported this stance, cautioning that permitting installments could set a dangerous precedent across industries, potentially opening a “Pandora’s box.”
She clarified that the escrow account would lock the funds—even if paid in installments—until the legal proceedings conclude, preventing the government from utilizing them in the interim.
Fatima also emphasized that the PTA cannot act unilaterally and must work in tandem with the Ministry of IT.
She said the court has currently stalled the cases, issuing a clear order that prevents any action for the time being.
The committee chair urged both the PTA and the IT Ministry to engage with the LDI companies and seek a resolution.
The PTA chairman concluded by stating that once they complete all hearings, they will make a final decision, which may include canceling licenses.
However, if the court rules against the government, it must return any recovered funds.
