An in-camera meeting of the sub-committee on IT and Telecom, convened by Zulfiqar Ali, was held to address the issue of massive outstanding dues worth billions, owed by Long Distance International (LDI) telecom companies.
The confidential session was requested by officials of the Ministry of Law and Justice to deliberate on how to resolve the prolonged payment disputes.
Despite detailed discussions, the sub-committee could not reach a consensus on the matter. Sources suggested that the absence of Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja from the meeting contributed to the lack of a final decision.
The Secretary of Law and the Additional Attorney General briefed the sub-committee on pending court cases concerning the dues. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had earlier issued determination orders after conducting hearings, but several LDI companies obtained stay orders from courts against the PTA’s decisions.
During the meeting, the committee reviewed proposals submitted by the LDI firms. Most of the companies reportedly expressed willingness to pay the principal amounts in installments, while others said they were awaiting court verdicts, even on the principal dues. Officials informed the committee that any decision regarding installment payments falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of IT, not the PTA.
Committee members stressed the need for the government to expedite judicial proceedings in such cases. They noted that the establishment of a Telecom Tribunal could have resolved these financial disputes more efficiently. Officials explained that the Ministry of Law is responsible for appointing the chairman and members of the Tribunal.