Government adamant to take $800 million PTCL dues from Etisalat

The current Pakistani government has reinstated its aim to recover the unpaid amount related to the privatization of PTCL.

While addressing a media gathering yesterday, the Minister of Pakistan for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, mentioned that the government was working to recover the due amount from Etisalat. Etisalat, which is a UAE-based telecom company, has $800 million outstanding amount on its account. The amount has to be paid to the government of Pakistan as per the privatization deal of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL).

“The government is committed to fulfilling all legal requirements for the recovery of the accrued amount,” the Minister mentioned. “Though both sides have cordial relations, but Pakistan will fight for its due rights,” he added.

Dr Khalid Maqbool further said that a meeting was conducted between the officials from both sides and the matter was brought into the light. The Minister was addressing the media about the performance of the ministry and government during the past year. During the briefing, several other important matters were also discussed. Dr Khalid informed that the government knew that the absence of an international gateway had been creating problems for Pakistani freelancers. He mentioned that the government was talking with relevant players and would soon bring one such service onboard.

News via Express Tribune