Senate committee grills PTA over Jazz overcharging issue

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology (IT) and Telecommunication grilled Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Jazz over alleged overcharging of consumers.

The Senate Committee had earlier called the PTA to clarify an audit report stating that Jazz overcharged consumers Rs 6.8 billion.

Earlier in its report, the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) claimed that Jazz raised tariffs during FY 2023–24 beyond PTA-approved limits, which is a violation of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996, and Telecom Consumer Protection Regulations, 2009.

The Auditor General has also pointed out irregular practices by Zong and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL).

A comparative analysis highlighted popular packages, such as “Monthly Super Duper” charged at Rs1,043 against the approved Rs955, “Monthly Freedom” at Rs1,739 against Rs1,652, and “Monthly YouTube & Social Offer” at Rs434 against Rs348.

During the meeting today, committee chairman Senator Palwasha Khan questioned PTA officials about whether tariffs were increased and whether Jazz provided quality service in return.

Senator Nadeem Bhutto voiced his frustration with Jazz’s poor connectivity. “I have been using Jazz since 2010, and my father often scolds me because calls don’t even connect.”

In return, the chairman PTA said that he will not defend the telecom operator for its shortcomings in service delivery. “I agree with the senators; Jazz’s quality remains an issue… I will not defend Jazz under any circumstances.”

However, the AGP objected to PTA’s practice of issuing blanket approvals for quarterly tariff increases to Jazz, which allowed the operator to unfairly burden consumers.

Furthermore, the telecom regulator further raised concerns over tariff hikes. “In 2024, Jazz increased tariffs by 19%. We regulate Jazz to maintain balance in the market,” said the PTA chairman.

Earlier in a statement, Jazz rejected the AGP’s remarks of overcharging consumers as baseless and misleading.

The company clarified that all services and tariffs were only initiated after the PTA’s approval. It further explained that detailed records, documented approvals, and contributions had already been lodged before the relevant authorities, substantiating its regulatory compliance.

The teleco operator ensured its subscribers that its services continue to be just, affordable, and completely in line with the law. Jazz reaffirmed its dedication to providing transparent and credible services to millions of customers in Pakistan.