The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has clarified that users who disown unused or unnecessary SIMs will not incur any charges until December 31.
The PTA issued this clarification in response to a query on social media, where a user reported being charged by their network for the return of their SIM, despite the cutoff date not being reached.
According to the PTA, consumers facing such issues can file a complaint with the PTA through the helpline, the Authority’s web portal, or the mobile application.
In November, the PTA announced that telecommunication operators could charge users up to 200 for disowning their SIMs. However, this charge could be avoided if SIMs were returned by December 31.
The PTA emphasized that by returning SIMs before the specified date, consumers could avoid disowning charges and contribute to the responsible usage of SIMs. The regulatory measure was implemented to uphold the PTA’s commitment to national safety and security.
Secretary Finance Assures ECP To Disburse Election Funds In Two Days
Meanwhile, In response to concerns raised by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Finance Secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal assured the electoral watchdog on Monday that funds for the upcoming general elections would be released within a day or two.
Bosal appeared before the electoral body after the Finance Ministry failed to respond to inquiries about the allocation of funds for the polls in the budget.
This development arises as Pakistan prepares for the general polls scheduled for February 8, 2024.
The secretary stated that the Finance Ministry would release the funds requested by the Election Commission. The ministry claimed to have received the electoral body’s letter on November 18, four days after it was sent on November 14.
“The disbursement of funds requires approval at various levels,” added the secretary.
Following a meeting with the ECP, the secretary addressed the media.
His appearance at the ECP came after sources informed that the ECP had taken notice of the government’s failure to provide funds.
According to sources, the government allocated Rs42 billion for the general elections in the current financial year’s budget. However, the Finance Ministry has only provided Rs10 billion to the ECP so far.
The sources stated that the disbursement of the remaining amount was unreasonably delayed.
“Rs17 billion are urgently needed for the general elections on February 8,” the sources revealed.
Despite repeated approaches and a written reminder to the Finance Ministry for the immediate provision of funds, no positive response has been received, they added.
