Telecom policies should bepro-consumer, says Babar
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecom (IT&T) Dr Babar Awan Tuesday said that all telecom policies should be pro-consumer.
During his visit to Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Headquarters, the minister said that telecom policies “must be evaluated and reviewed on annual basis.”
He said that complaint-handling system should be made effective and all service providers should make arrangements to remove grievances of the consumers.
The minister stressed that awareness campaigns should be launched in Urdu and regional languages. “Grey trafficking is a serious issue and it needs to be dealt effectively. In this context, laws may also be thoroughly checked and applied,” the minister stressed.
He said telecom sector in Pakistan has made decisive contribution towards the national economy therefore challenges faced by the telecom sector are being addressed in an appropriate manner.
Babar said for the prompt disposal of telecom related cases, Telecom Tribunals would be set up soon. He also stressed the need for coming up with out-of-the-box ideas for implementation of ongoing activities regarding the development of telecom sector.
The Federal Minister offered PTA his full support for smooth access of telecom services to the people of Pakistan residing in the far-flung areas. He appreciated the role of PTA in the uplift of telecom sector.
During the visit, PTA Chairman Dr Muhammed Yaseen briefed the minister about the latest developments taking place in the telecom industry. He said that PTA has successfully established a thriving telecom industry in Pakistan–which is providing the state-of-the-art telecom, broadband and ICT services. It has been a hallmark of PTA’s success that it has always kept a flexible and supportive regulatory framework to uplift the telecom services in the country.
Chairman said that Pakistan telecom industry is growing at an astounding pace after the deregulation of the sector. “The broadband sector growth has been extraordinary and this sector has become a model for other countries across the world,” he said.
He said that a number of factors have played role in it–including investor-friendly government policies and healthy competition introduced by PTA, which has encouraged operators to an extra mile for making a strong subscriber base. On this occasion, PTA Chairman presented souvenir to honorable Minister.
Secretary Law, Muhammad Masood Chishti, Member Finance, Syed Nasrul Karim Ghaznavi, and Member Technical, Dr Khawar Siddique Khokhar and senior officers of the Authority were also present during the visit.
Source: Daily Times
Date:4/13/2011
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