A storm of controversy has erupted between Pakistan’s largest telecom operator, Jazz, and the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) over allegations of massive overbilling. On one side, the AGP’s damning audit claims Jazz illegally pocketed Rs6.58 billion from unsuspecting consumers in FY 2023–24. On the other, Jazz has hit back fiercely, insisting that every tariff was duly approved by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and that the report is misleading.
Read More: Jazz’s Rs6.58 Billion Scam Exposed: Audit Reveals Corporate Looting, PTA’s Complicity
AGP’s Explosive Findings:
The AGP’s audit accuses Jazz of unilaterally hiking the prices of mobile bundles without prior regulatory approval, in violation of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996 and the Telecom Consumer Protection Regulations, 2009.
The report doesn’t mince words, accusing the company of “corporate looting” while blasting the PTA for turning a blind eye. Annexures attached to the report allegedly show detailed calculations proving that Jazz extracted billions through inflated tariffs across multiple packages, impacting millions of subscribers nationwide.
Senate Committee Takes Notice:
Following allegations that Jazz overcharged consumers by Rs6.58 billion, the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom has taken immediate notice. The PTA Chairman has been summoned for a briefing on August 25 at Parliament House. According to the committee’s agenda, the audit report indicated that Jazz was only allowed to raise tariffs by 15% quarterly, but it reportedly exceeded this limit, collecting billions in excess charges. The committee will review the PTA’s role in protecting consumer rights and will demand a detailed explanation regarding the additional charges on mobile subscribers.
Jazz’s Counterpunch:
Jazz has categorically rejected the AGP’s accusations. In an official statement, the company declared:
“Jazz is a responsible corporate entity and has consistently operated in full compliance with Pakistan’s regulatory framework. All tariffs and services are launched only after formal approvals by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in accordance with clearly defined processes.”
The company further argued that this issue should be examined in light of regulatory facts, documented approvals, and institutional responsibilities, suggesting that the AGP’s audit misrepresents the reality.
A Crisis of Credibility:
The face-off has left consumers in confusion: who is telling the truth?
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If the AGP’s findings hold water, Jazz not only looted Rs6.58 billion but also exposed the PTA’s role in enabling or ignoring illegal tariff hikes.
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If Jazz’s version is correct, then the credibility of the Auditor General’s office is on the line for publishing a flawed, high-profile report.
Stakes for Jazz, PTA, and Consumers:
The scandal has now grown into a credibility crisis for both Jazz and the PTA. Millions of Pakistanis are demanding answers:
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Did Jazz overcharge them illegally?
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Or is the AGP guilty of overreach and misreporting?
With the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom set to review the matter next week, this battle of narratives could evolve into a full-blown legal and political showdown. For now, Pakistanis are left asking the simplest yet most pressing question: Who really pocketed their money? Jazz, or a bad audit?