Big Brother Pakistan Telecommunications Authority
The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority has decided that night-time phone conversations can only be ‘immoral’ and has issued directives to all mobile phone companies to immediately discontinue the late-night packages they offer. Almost all companies have been offering such packages, usually involving lower rates or free calls at specific hours in the night. It is hard to say how the PTA decided these packages run contrary to the ‘social values and norms’ of the country.
It is also hard to determine what the PTA deems ‘immoral’. Late-night packages are available in many countries – including Muslim ones – and facilitate families, friends and others who may be separated by distance and wish to communicate with their loved ones without spending too much money. Conversations that the PTA apparently disapproves of can also take place during the morning, afternoon and evening. Besides, does this body really have the right to intervene in, and moralise over, the private lives of citizens?
The PTA has said that the decision was taken after it had received complaints from parliamentarians, members of the judiciary and other senior officials about such packages and the advertising promoting them. According to the PTA, at a meeting held with all stakeholders, some companies had agreed that the promotional ads were problematic.
The body also maintains it has acted against these packages under the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganisation Act of 1996, which mandates it to regulate competition in the telecommunication sector, protect consumer rights and ensure that the interests of users are safeguarded and protected. Telecommunication companies, which are bound to suffer losses if these packages are discontinued, say the PTA is also duty-bound to protect their interests. All we can say is that the PTA’s ‘big brother’ role seems to be growing at an alarming rate. This latest action will affect a lot of people – especially those from lower income groups – using these packages as a way to save money and stay in touch with those they choose to talk to.
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