PTA deposits in FCF on persistent decline

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) deposits in the Federal Consolidated Fund (FCF) are on persistent decline, as it deposited Rs 33.13 billion in 2016-17 compared to Rs 96.48 billion in 2013-14. This has been revealed in PTA official documents submitted before a parliamentary panel. According to the documents, the PTA contributed a total of Rs 178.84 billion during the last four years to the national exchequer. The amount so far includes Rs 96.48 billion in 2013-14, Rs 7.02 billion in 2014-15, Rs 34.11 billion in 2015-16, Rs 33.13 billion in 2016-17 and Rs 8.10 billion in 2017-18.
Briefing the subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, which met with Kalsoom Perveen in the chair here on Thursday, the officials of PTA said that telecom sector deposited more than Rs 684 billion on account of various taxes/duties in the last four years (2013-2017) to the national exchequer. Approximately $4.2 billion have been invested by the telecom companies in Pakistan during the last four fiscal years. Most of this investment has been made by the cellular mobile companies in Pakistan. The telecom sector attracted the inflow of more than $2.3 billion foreign direct investments during the last four fiscal years.
The convener of the committee expressed concern over the payment made by the telecom companies in Pakistani currency instead of dollars, saying it is causing billions of losses to the national exchequer. It has been observed that companies have been given advantages at the cost of government expenses. "If telecom companies are doing business in the country but are not paying actual taxes then what advantage is to the national exchequer," said Kalsoom, adding that she was not satisfied with the briefing and directed Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), NADRA, FIA and PTA officials to come with related documents in the next meeting. She further said that an amnesty scheme may be launched to attract more companies in the country. The convener said that a questioner would be sent to the Cabinet Division about postings/transfers, recruitments, administrative power and selection criteria in the PTA which are under question marks.
Member PTA Enforcement Abdul Samad that the Pakistani agencies have blocked mobile services in Chaman and border adjacent areas despite the fact that Pakistan has an edge over Afghanistan, while Afghanistan mobile system is working there.