Apropos a news item published in "Business Recorder" on 4th October 2016, titled "Over Rs 122 Billion misappropriation unearthed in PTA", it is clarified that "the story is based on the preliminary audit paras which carry only audit's opinion and perception and does not include PTA's viewpoint on all mentioned issues hence making the report incomplete and incorrect. Most of the issues highlighted in the news are of technical nature. PTA, being the regulator of the Telecom Sector, as mandated by Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act 1996 (the Act), implemented the policy directives issued by the Federal Government and fully understands its responsibilities.
"Furthermore, the reports referred in the news item, do not have some of the matters quoted and even those that are there are actually the preliminary views of the Audit Officer which have not even been discussed with the senior management of PTA yet to give them the opportunity to provide the required information, clarifications and justification. There are many technicalities that are yet to be explained to the Audit Officer in presence of senior officials from PTA and office of the Auditor General. PTA is trying its best to bring about a technological revolutions and such new items cause doubts and are a source of discouragement for the organisation.
"These audit observations are subject to scrutiny by the Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) and the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) after which it will be ascertained whether any violation of Act, rules, regulations etc and hence any loss has occurred or not. It is PTA's categorical view that all matters mentioned in the audit report have been disposed of strictly in accordance with the applicable law and no loss or misappropriation has occurred. "As far as the dues are concerned PTA has always made all possible efforts to collect the dues and has taken all required actions under the law. The outstanding dues are subjudice in the courts of law and will be dealt with as decided by the courts."
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