A renowned internet service provider has filed a suit in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) alleging that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) treated it unfairly when it launched its service in Azad Kashmir (AJK). Nayatel’s case was heard by Justice Aamer Farooq on Friday.
When the PTA began attempts to deliver fibre broadband services in AJK, the petitioner claimed the PTA treated him unfairly.
The Special Communication Organization (SCO), a government-owned entity that operates commercial telecom business in AJK and GB under the administrative control of the Ministry of IT and Telecom (MOITT).
PTA has been discriminating against Nayatel since it attempted to enter the AJK’s fibre broadband market, according to the petitioner, by delaying license applications for more than 270 days. A new license was required by law to be issued within 120 days.
Delaying commencement certificates for no apparent reason, as well as the hearing and determination of appeals that were required by law to be decided within 30 days, has harmed the company’s business.
According to the petition, PTA issued a notice to Nayatel on January 20, 2022, threatening legal action if its CEO raised issues about the industry and PTA’s discriminatory treatment of other operators in relation to SCO at a national broadband forum held in Islamabad on November 10, 2021, in which President Arif Alvi was the chief guest.
The subject of the SCO receiving free wireless spectrum for cellular mobile services was also brought up.
The PTA, Cabinet Division, and the ministry have all received notices from Justice Aamer Farooq.
According to the petition, there was an alleged conflict of interest between PTA Chairman retired Major General Aamir Azeem Bajwa and the SCO because the former was the SCO’s director general for two years before retiring and being inducted as the PTA chairman by the previous government in January 2019.
To read our blog on “In High Court, Nayatel challenges the appointment of PTA’s DG Law,” click here.
