Telecom News Bulletin

Advisor to Prime Minister for Information Technology, Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan Khosa has said that equal opportunities will be provided to encourage investment in the Information Technology and Telecom sector in order to create maximum job avenues for the Pakistani youth.

The Advisor was talking to a delegation of Zong which called on him headed by Chief Executive Officer, Qian Li here on Wednesday. The Advisor lauded the huge investment made by Zong in Pakistan and termed it a success story, which has not only provided a better service to the people but also created job opportunities for them.

The Advisor urged the mobile operating companies to introduce such low-priced packages which can play a role for character building of the future generation instead of subverting them. He said China is our brotherly country which always extended support to us in the need our hour. We are a flexible and brave nation and always came out of crises what ever it faced. We will also steer out of the energy crisis as all the nation has united for the purpose.

The Advisor assured the delegation to extend all possible help to address their grievances and expressed hope that Zong will invest more in Pakistan aimed at creating more job opportunities for our talented youth.

Meanwhile, he has clarified that there is no ambiguity in Privatization of Pakistan Telecommunication Limited (PTCL) and its Privatization was totally transparent and fair.  During briefing to National Assembly Standing Committee on Information and Technology here the other day, he said, no one can offer such amount, which was offered by ETISLAT for Privatization of PTCL in 2005.

26 Percent shares of PTCL were sold to ETISLAT in March 2005, he said, adding that, 9 companies were interested in Privatization of PTCL out of which 3 including ETISLAT of UAE, China mobile of China and Singa Tale of Singapore were short listed.  ETISLAT offered 2.59 billion, China mobile 1.40 billion and Singa Tale 1.16 for 26 Percent share of PTCL, he said. Government of Pakistan, he said, has majority shares in PTCL. PTCL is providing best services and facilities to consumers, he said.