Dr. Umar Saif, the Caretaker Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing the telecom sector in Pakistan during his visit to the headquarters of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). He announced the extension of the national roaming facility to motorways and national highways, aiming to provide better connectivity for travelers.
The minister acknowledged the pivotal role of the PTA in fostering the telecom industry’s growth by delivering state-of-the-art telecom, broadband, and ICT services. He engaged with senior officers, including Chairman PTA Maj-Gen (r) Hafeezur Rehman and Member Compliance & Enforcement PTA Dr. Khawar Sidique Khokhar, to gain insights into the regulator’s functions and initiatives.
Addressing challenges faced by the sector, Dr. Umar Saif stressed the importance of prompt actions to resolve consumer complaints related to telecom operators. He proposed establishing a mechanism to strengthen the PTA’s role in promoting public welfare and social initiatives, with the hope that a Telecommunication Tribunal would expedite conflict resolution.
Expressing the need for digital connectivity, the minister highlighted the necessity of providing digital facilities to the public, emphasizing the role of technology in connecting with the digital world.
Dr. Umar Saif assured the full support of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) to PTA for its regulatory initiatives, emphasizing the importance of investment-friendly policies and enabling regulatory frameworks. He praised the PTA’s efforts in uplifting the telecom sector and visited the National Telecom Security Operations Center (NTSOC) to gain insights into its operations.
Dr. Umar Saif’s visit underscored the government’s commitment to advancing the telecom sector in Pakistan through regulatory measures, addressing challenges, and promoting investment-friendly policies. The extension of national roaming facilities and the proposed establishment of a Telecommunication Tribunal reflect the government’s dedication to enhancing connectivity and resolving issues in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
