sanaullahThe Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued a stern directive to six Long Distance and International (LDI) telecom companies, demanding they settle outstanding dues totaling Rs80 billion within a 30-day deadline. Failure to comply will trigger additional late payment penalties, escalating the financial burden on the defaulters.
Documents obtained by SAMAA reveal that the dues comprise Rs24 billion in principal amounts and Rs56 billion in late payment surcharges. The PTA emphasized that the assessed liabilities are clear and non-negotiable. The companies, identified after individual hearings, face mounting pressure to meet the deadline, with the authority warning of strict recovery measures for non-compliance.
The breakdown of dues is as follows:
- RedTone: Rs14.31 billion, the highest amount owed.
- Wateen Telecom: Rs6.25 billion.
- Circlenet: Rs5.9 billion.
- WorldCall: Rs5.69 billion.
- Telecard: Rs4.07 billion.
- Multinet: Rs1.41 billion.
Despite discussions during the hearings, a stalemate persisted. Of the nine LDI companies involved, five agreed to pay the principal in installments, while four outright refused, rejecting even flexible payment options. The PTA’s firm stance signals a crackdown on delays, underscoring its commitment to enforcing financial accountability in Pakistan’s telecom sector.