The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has categorically denied claims that Jazz overcharged subscribers by more than Rs. 6.58 billion in 2023-24, calling the allegations “unfounded” and “misleading.”
According to officials familiar with the matter, PTA submitted a detailed response to the Prime Minister’s Office, confirming that no unauthorized billing took place. The regulator asserted that all tariff adjustments applied by Jazz were in line with the framework approved by the authority and were subject to routine verification.
In its clarification, PTA noted that social media reports suggesting excessive billing were based on misinterpretation and amounted to a “propaganda campaign” aimed at discrediting the regulator’s oversight. “Every tariff revision is scrutinized and approved beforehand. There has been no breach of the approved structure,” the report stated.
Despite PTA’s stance, the issue gained traction following audit observations that pointed to Rs. 6.58 billion in alleged excess charges. The audit report also flagged concerns over quarterly tariff hikes, suggesting that the collections exceeded the 15 percent margin allowed by the regulator.
The matter has since been taken up by the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication. Chaired by Senator Palwasha Khan, the committee has summoned the PTA chairman for a briefing on August 25, where members are expected to seek a comprehensive explanation of the regulator’s monitoring role and consumer protection measures.
