The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has launched a robust enforcement campaign to recover Rs. 80 billion in unpaid dues from Long Distance and International (LDI) operators, targeting contributions owed to the Universal Service Fund (USF) under the Access Promotion Contribution (APC) framework. The proceedings, initiated under Section 23 of the Pakistan Telecommunications (Re-Organization) Act, 1996, involve six operators, with three more expected to face orders soon.
Read More: ONIC Exposed: No Independent License, Failing Network Behind Bold Claims of ‘New’ Telecom Revolution
Key Details of the Enforcement Action: The PTA conducted hearings between April and May 2025 to address license renewal delays and outstanding payments, comprising Rs. 24 billion in principal and Rs. 56 billion in Late Payment Additional Fees (LPAF). Despite these efforts, no settlements were reached, with some operators citing court-issued stay orders and others refusing to cooperate. The PTA has now issued binding enforcement orders, giving operators a 30-day deadline to clear dues or face legal consequences, including potential penalties.
Breakdown of Major Dues: The following LDI operators face significant financial obligations:
- Leading LDI Operator: Rs. 6.25 billion (Principal: Rs. 2.0 billion, LPAF: Rs. 4.24 billion), hearing held on April 14, 2025.
- Circle Net Communications (Pvt.) Ltd.: Rs. 5.9 billion (Principal: Rs. 1.64 billion, LPAF: Rs. 4.25 billion), hearing on May 5, 2025.
- Multinet Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd.: Rs. 1.41 billion (Principal: Rs. 605 million, LPAF: Rs. 808 million), hearing on April 9, 2025.
- REDtone Telecommunications Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd.: Rs. 14.31 billion (Principal: Rs. 4.10 billion, LPAF: Rs. 10.21 billion), hearing on April 9, 2025.
- WorldCall Telecom Ltd.: Rs. 5.69 billion (Principal: Rs. 1.77 billion, LPAF: Rs. 3.92 billion), hearing on April 10, 2025.
- Telecard Ltd.: Rs. 4.07 billion (Principal: Rs. 1.29 billion, LPAF: Rs. 2.77 billion), hearing on April 15, 2025.
Current Status of LDI Operators: Of the 13 LDI operators, four have cleared their dues, while five have agreed to installment plans totaling Rs. 8.2 billion. However, four operators remain non-compliant, refusing to settle or negotiate. Additionally, seven operators currently hold expired licenses, with only four renewed in 2024. Two licenses are set to expire in 2025 and 2026.
Background and Challenges: The enforcement follows failed reconciliation attempts led by the Ministry of IT, compounded by ongoing litigation involving operators with active stay orders. The PTA’s actions underscore its commitment to ensuring compliance and recovering funds critical to the USF, which supports telecommunications infrastructure development across Pakistan.
Next Steps: Operators face a critical 30-day window to settle their dues. Non-compliance could lead to escalated legal actions, including potential operational restrictions. The PTA’s crackdown signals a broader push to enforce regulatory compliance in Pakistan’s telecommunications sector.
