Revoking LDI Licenses Could Disrupt ATM and Internet Services: PTA Chairman

The Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom on Monday was informed by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman on the arrears owed by Long-Distance International (LDI) companies. Ten of the fifteen companies have paid a total of Rs. 10 billion, but Rs. 24 billion remains unpaid. Due to late fees, the total arrears have climbed to Rs. 74 billion. The PTA Chairman warned that revoking the licenses of these companies could cause significant disruptions, impacting 50 percent of mobile services and 40 percent of ATM services. The committee also discussed Pakistan’s reliance on foreign fiber-optic infrastructure. PTA officials highlighted the National Fiberization Policy, aimed at reducing this dependency to avoid external pressures. The meeting further covered the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2024 and ongoing consultations with stakeholders. A participant questioned the Ministry’s ability to regulate artificial intelligence when it has struggled to manage social media, where fake news is prevalent. The member suggested following China’s example of creating alternative platforms as a regulatory measure. One senator raised concerns over the appointment of the new Secretary for IT and Telecom, questioning why a PhD-qualified applicant was overlooked. The Establishment Division explained that experience was prioritized over qualifications, which prompted discussions on sectoral improvements, particularly in telecom and IT exports.