The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has launched formal enforcement proceedings against several Long Distance and International (LDI) operators over non-payment of Access Promotion Contribution (APC) charges owed to the Universal Service Fund (USF). The action is being taken under Section 23 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996.
Currently, six LDI operators are facing determination and enforcement orders, with three more expected to be added soon. Although their operations have not yet been suspended, the PTA has given each operator 30 days to clear outstanding dues, failing which additional penalties and legal measures may be applied.
The total outstanding amount has reached Rs. 80 billion, comprising Rs. 24 billion in unpaid principal and Rs. 56 billion in late payment surcharges (LPAF). Between April and May 2025, PTA held a series of hearings with the operators to resolve the matter, but the proceedings failed to reach any conclusive settlements. Some companies did not cooperate, while others relied on court-issued stay orders to delay payments.
As a result, PTA has now started issuing binding legal orders to enforce compliance.
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Details of Dues and Hearings:
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Leading LDI Operator: Rs. 6.25 billion (Principal: Rs. 2.0B, LPAF: Rs. 4.24B); hearing held on April 14, 2025
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Circle Net Communications (Pvt.) Ltd: Rs. 5.9 billion (Principal: Rs. 1.64B, LPAF: Rs. 4.25B); hearing on May 5, 2025
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Multinet Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd: Rs. 1.41 billion (Principal: Rs. 605M, LPAF: Rs. 808M); hearing on April 9, 2025
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REDtone Telecommunications (Pvt.) Ltd: Rs. 14.31 billion (Principal: Rs. 4.10B, LPAF: Rs. 10.21B); hearing on April 9, 2025
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Worldcall Telecom Ltd: Rs. 5.69 billion (Principal: Rs. 1.77B, LPAF: Rs. 3.92B); hearing on April 10, 2025
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Telecard Ltd: Rs. 4.07 billion (Principal: Rs. 1.29B, LPAF: Rs. 2.77B); hearing on April 15, 2025
Out of the total 13 LDI operators, four have cleared their dues, while five others have committed to installment plans totaling Rs. 8.2 billion. The remaining four operators have refused to enter any payment agreements.
Moreover, licenses of seven LDI operators have already expired, with only four being renewed in 2024. Two more licenses are due to expire in 2025 and 2026. PTA’s enforcement drive follows unsuccessful reconciliation efforts by the Ministry of IT, as well as ongoing court cases involving stay orders.
This move underscores PTA’s commitment to financial accountability and regulatory enforcement across Pakistan’s telecom sector.
