IT Ministry Reconstitutes Committee to Resolve Issue of Pending Dues By LDI Companies

The Ministry of Information Technology has reconstituted a steering committee to address the issue of arrears involving Long Distance and International (LDI) companies, sources informed ProPakistani. This move follows the ministry’s decision to withdraw a previous letter that granted exemptions amounting to billions of rupees to these companies. The reformed committee now includes representatives from all nine LDI companies, alongside existing members from the PTA and the Ministry of IT. The committee is set to meet daily to expedite the resolution process. It will be responsible for deciding the procedure for recovering arrears, including determining the principal and late payment surcharges owed by the LDI companies. The ministry insists on collecting 100 percent of the principal amount for the renewal of LDI companies’ licenses. The matter of late payment surcharges will be addressed in accordance with forthcoming court decisions. The committee will handle the adjustment of amounts in the companies’ escrow accounts. Sources said companies that fail to settle their dues will not have their licenses renewed. The current licenses are set to expire on August 1. The total liabilities of the companies amount to Rs. 24 billion, with an additional Rs. 54 billion in late surcharges. The committee will compile its recommendations and submit them to the federal government for approval.