Billions Lost in Unpaid Dues
Audit authorities have strongly criticized the Ministry of Information Technology and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for failing to recover over Rs89 billion in outstanding dues from Long Distance International (LDI) companies. Despite functioning as the telecom regulator for nearly two decades, the PTA has repeatedly fallen short in enforcing compliance.
According to the audit report, many telecom operators continue running their businesses without renewing licenses or paying mandatory obligations. This unchecked practice has raised deep concerns about weak regulatory oversight. The auditors also dismissed the claim that dues could not be recovered because cases were still pending in courts, calling the justification “unfounded” and a reflection of poor supervision.
Breakdown of Outstanding Payments
The report revealed that LDI companies were obligated to pay multiple charges, including initial license fees, spectrum costs, and annual contributions. However, despite these clear requirements, the PTA has been unable to secure massive sums. Outstanding amounts include:
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Rs9.82 billion in annual, spectrum, and late payment fees
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Rs79.34 billion in contributions owed to the IT Ministry, including the Universal Service Fund (USF)
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Over Rs1 billion in license renewal fees from various operators
This failure, the auditors warned, has not only damaged the credibility of the regulator but also deprived the national treasury of critical revenue at a time when Pakistan is struggling with fiscal challenges.
Call for Urgent Action
Audit authorities have directed both the PTA and the IT Ministry to act immediately and recover the pending dues in collaboration. They emphasized that hiding behind legal proceedings cannot justify a two-decade delay in enforcement. Instead, regulators must establish firm mechanisms to ensure compliance, protect state revenues, and restore credibility in Pakistan’s telecom governance.
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