LDI companies: PTA directed to provide update on its efforts to recover Rs84bn

Business Recorder reported that Long Distance International (LDI) companies collectively owe the government roughly Rs84 billion, comprising Rs24 billion of principal and Rs60 billion of surcharges for late payment. PTA officials presented these figures to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecom, chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, on Monday. Members expressed concern about delays in LDI and FLL court cases, particularly those involving large financial liabilities.

The chairperson asked the regulator to prepare a detailed account of every pending matter, with the sum at stake in each. A PTA member told the committee that 38 cases involving LDI operators are pending before courts, while the ministry said 20 cases have moved to the Telecom Tribunal, now formally inaugurated. The tribunal is expected to speed up hearings, though companies could still appeal its rulings to the Supreme Court.

Starlink's launch in Pakistan is delayed because its PSARB registration remains pending, and that holds up its PTA licence application. The company has already registered with the SECP under the name Starlink Internet Services Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd. The committee deferred its Starlink discussion after PTA said no licence application from the firm was pending before it.