Cabinet Approves Amendment to PTA Reorganisation Act | Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF)

Pakistan Press Foundation

Cabinet Approves Amendment to PTA Reorganisation Act

Pakistan Press Foundation

The federal cabinet has approved an amendment to the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organisation) Act, 1996, authorising the federal government to determine the pay and allowances of the chairman and members of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The decision was made following audit objections to the allowances being paid to PTA officials. Auditors noted that the chairman and members were receiving salaries under Management Pay-I and MP-II scales, along with senior executive grade allowances. As per the audit recommendations, allowances should be in line with those admissible under the management pay scales, creating a divergence in views between the audit and the Law and Justice Division.

The Law and Justice Division had clarified that “salary” and “privileges” should be read separately, limiting allowances to those specified under MP scales. This divergence between audit findings and legal interpretation prompted the PTA to seek clarity through legislative changes.

In a letter dated May 23, 2024, the PTA proposed amending Section 3(7) of the Act, authorizing the prime minister to determine the pay and privileges of the PTA chairman and members. The Cabinet Division suggested amending Section 3(7) to get PTA aligned with other regulatory authorities like Ogra and Nepra.

During the cabinet meeting, it was noted that the PTA’s current remuneration framework was inconsistent with that of other regulatory bodies under the federal government. The Ministry of Law vetted the proposed amendment, which was subsequently approved by the cabinet.


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