A recently released audit report by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has highlighted serious irregularities involving two leading telecom operators, Jazz and Zong, raising questions about the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) regulatory oversight.
According to the report, Jazz charged its customers higher than the rates approved by the PTA during the fiscal year 2023-24. A comparative review of selected weekly and monthly packages revealed that the company overcharged consumers by nearly Rs 6.6 billion.
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The AGP observed that charging subscribers above the approved tariffs indicated weak regulatory monitoring by the PTA.
The report also pointed out that Zong (CM Pak Ltd) continued to use compensatory spectrum even after the expiry of its 2G license in 2019. Despite an enforcement order issued by the PTA on December 14, 2020 — directing the operator to vacate the spectrum and pay charges for its unauthorized use — the directives were not implemented.
Under the PTA order, Rs 18.04 billion was to be recovered from Zong for the period between October 2019 and October 2024. However, the spectrum was neither vacated nor cancelled, and the dues remain uncollected.
The findings raise concerns about transparency in Pakistan’s telecom sector and the effectiveness of regulatory measures meant to protect consumers and ensure fair competition.
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