The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has rejected reports alleging that telecom operator Jazz overcharged its customers by more than Rs. 6.58 billion during the financial year 2023-24.
Sources told ProPakistani that a detailed report has been submitted to the Prime Minister, clarifying that no such overbilling occurred. PTA maintained that all tariff adjustments were made in accordance with the approved regulatory framework.
The regulator stated that social media claims suggesting massive overcharging were baseless and part of a negative propaganda campaign aimed at undermining PTA’s regulatory role.
“There has been no violation of the approved tariff structure, and all adjustments were duly approved by the authority,” the report said, the sources added.
PTA further emphasized that the audit observations regarding tariff adjustments had already been approved under the regulatory framework, and the supporting records were shared with audit authorities for verification. The regulator stressed that its decisions were transparent and fully documented.
However, the controversy gained momentum after an audit report claimed that Jazz had charged customers Rs. 6.58 billion above the approved tariff during 2023-24. The report also noted that the company was permitted to increase its tariff by 15 percent on a quarterly basis, but the excess collection allegedly exceeded that margin.
The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, has taken notice of the allegations and summoned the PTA chairman for a briefing on August 25 at the Parliament House. The committee is expected to seek detailed clarification from PTA regarding its role in protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair tariff practices.