The Islamabad High Court has confirmed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) decision requiring ZONG to refund over Rs. 2 billion to its customers. The court rejected ZONG’s appeal, stating it was not valid.
Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb ruled that the service and maintenance charges collected from prepaid card users between April 26, 2019, and July 12, 2019, were against the law.
This decision was based on an earlier ruling by the Supreme Court. As a result, PTA instructed ZONG to return Rs. 2,028,038,584 to its subscribers as balance credits without any conditions or restrictions.
This judgment emphasizes the importance of protecting consumer rights and ensuring accountability in Pakistan’s telecom industry. It comes at a time when concerns about heavy taxes on the telecom sector are rising, as they could affect foreign investments in the country.
The decision sends a strong message about fair practices in the industry and reinforces the need for telecom operators to adhere to regulations. It also serves as a reminder of the authorities’ role in safeguarding consumers against unfair charges and promoting transparency in business operations.
With this refund order, subscribers are expected to receive their money back, offering relief to millions of users. The ruling is seen as a step forward in strengthening consumer confidence in the telecom sector and encouraging fair competition.
