In a groundbreaking development for Pakistan’s telecommunications industry, the Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Dr Umar Saif, has confirmed the establishment of a Telecommunication Appellate Tribunal. The move, approved by President Dr Arif Alvi through amendments in the Telecom Act, marks a historic moment in the country’s legal framework.
Dr Saif highlighted that the newly formed Telecom Tribunal will operate under the Presidential Ordinance, addressing a long-standing demand of the telecom sector. The tribunal’s establishment is expected to bring substantial relief to the industry by expeditiously resolving numerous cases that were previously in limbo.
Under the ordinance, the Ministry of Law will nominate the tribunal’s chairman and members. The chairman, a crucial position, can only be filled by a judge of the High Court or a lawyer with a minimum of 15 years of experience. Additionally, the tribunal will comprise two technocrat members, with flexibility in adjusting their numbers based on evolving needs.
One key feature emphasized by Dr Saif is the tribunal’s commitment to deciding appeals from telecom operators against decisions made by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) within a swift 90-day timeframe. This timely resolution is expected to replace the previous practice where disputes between PTA and telecom operators often led to unnecessary delays due to involvement with the High Courts.
The establishment of the Telecommunication Appellate Tribunal is poised to significantly enhance efficiency, providing a crucial avenue for the resolution of operational and service disputes in a timely and amicable manner. This development is poised to reshape the landscape of telecom-related legal matters in Pakistan, fostering a more streamlined and responsive regulatory framework.
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