Mobile phone companies could play a major role in resolving law and order situation. If mobile phones are used in a right way then half of the law and order problem will be resolved, said Senator Talha Mehmood, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Interior here on Thursday.
"This task needs a strong will and I have decided to attain the target of setting the right direction of mobile companies", Talha Mehmood said while addressing a press conference.
He announced the extension of deadline for blocking the unregistered SIMs to July 31st saying that the ten-member delegation consisting of the chief executives of all mobile companies have assured closure of all such SIMs.
He rejected the impression of bowing before any pressure and said that it is in the best interest of Pakistan to make the process completely transparent to avoid any misuse of mobile phone by outlaws. "High ups of cell phone companies had held meetings with Prime Minister, ministers and Chairman Senate, but I categorically told them to make things right or to face the music", he said.
Giving break up of the SIMs, which the mobile companies have blocked till June 24, Senator Talha said that Ufone blocked highest number of 2.4 million SIMs and 752,000 are under process followed by Mobilink which blocked two million and 484,000 are under process. Warid has blocked 640,000 SIMs while 451,612 are under process, Telenor blocked 155,000 and 172,000 are under process, and Zong blocked 212,000 whereas 41,800 are under process.
He said that now there is backlog of unauthorised 1.9 million SIMs out of total 7.4 million in May. He said that with the passage of time it will be completely transparent.
"I have extended the deadline after getting assurance that mobile companies will show responsibility regarding the national security and law and order of the country", he said, adding that Pakistan respect these companies as they have bought huge investment and provided jobs to youths, but they have to respect the law of land.
These companies were directed to issue SIM only after verification from Nadra, Talha said and added that the mobile companies have pleaded that they are issuing about 100,000 SIMs a day collectively so it will be difficult for Nadra to clear as much SIMs daily. "I will have a meeting with Nadra chief regarding this issue", he said.
He threatened to move a privilege motion against the chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) over his failure to provide the CDs of the blocked SIMs. "I have been told by cell phone companies that they have provided the CDs to PTA high ups", he added.
Earlier in May, Senator Talha Mehmood raised the issue of the unauthorised SIMs and gave the mobile-phone companies a deadline of May 22 to block 7.454 million unauthorised SIMs or to face Rs 350 million penalty per company. After seeing performance of the companies the deadline was extended to June 30 and now to July 31.
He dispelled the impression that any legal check on cell-phone companies will discourage the foreign investment in Pakistan and clarified that it would streamline the services and help remove anomalies. He said that every multinational company abides law of the land where they invest and operate then why not in Pakistan. This is totally incorrect that any check and balance will discourage the foreign investors.
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