Islamabad: With reference to an article published on GSMA website on 22 May, 2019 regarding the subject issue, it is informed that the renewal process of three cellular mobile operators (CMOs) namely Jazz, Telenor and Zong was duly initiated upon receipt of their consent in the light of respective license terms and conditions and Telecommunications Policy 2015. The CMOs remained engaged with PTA and the Government of Pakistan (GoP) throughout the license renewal process and at no stage was any correspondence made which may indicate anything contrary to the renewal of their licenses. The applicable policy directive issued by the GoP specifies terms and conditions for renewal of the respective licenses and there is no indication of discontinuation of operations in the said policy, contrary to what GSMA has narrated in the above referred article.

 

Despite GOP/PTA’s intention for renewal of licenses through engagement of the mobile operators by means of consultation/meetings, it may be noted that Jazz and Telenor have approached the Honorable Islamabad High Court. Therefore, the above referred article of GSMA at this stage might be seen as an attempt to influence the proceedings.