PTA under scrutiny as Senate body questions Jazz tariff approval

ISLAMABAD: The audit officials revealed that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has not provided the record of the PTA tariff approval granted to Jazz.

The revelation was made in the Senate Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication meeting, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, on Tuesday, for reviewing the case involving Jazz and the recovery of over Rs6 billion in tariffs.

Last month, 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.

Senator Anusha Rehman questioned why the PTA has not provided the details to the relevant authorities, and is the tariff in question is regulated by the PTA

Audit officials confirmed that PTA had failed to provide the required documentation, only offering outdated records instead of updated approvals.

“PTA is the regulator of the private sector, and it must show seriousness,” Senator Anusha Rehman said while adding that due to the regulator’s negligence, the private telecom sector’s reputation was being damaged.

PTA representative, while answering, said that the authority had taken time for verification of data, but did not get enough time from the authorities concerned.

The committee also inquired about when audit reports became public. Audit authorities indicated that reports are only published after being tabled in Parliament.

Members criticized officials for withholding critical information on Jazz’s PTA tariff approval, emphasizing the lack of openness.

The Senate Standing Committee has asked that the PTA produce the entire records of tariff approvals at the next meeting for further assessment.

The Senate Committee also voiced concern over unilateral tariff increases, audit lapses, and pending spectrum litigation while calling for transparency and strict compliance.

Earlier, in response to the Auditor General’s report, Jazz rejected the 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.