Karachi: Interim government has established specialised tribunal i.e. Telecommunication Appellate Tribunal to resolve legal issues related to Pakistan’s telecom sector speedily. Caretaker Information Technology (IT) Minister Dr Umar Saif announced development in video message. “We have established specialised telecom tribunal, which would help resolve their cases much faster,” said interim Minister in message on social media platform X.

“It was long-standing demand of telecom sector, that their court cases and disputes were resolved on fast-track basis,” said Dr Saif. “Due to these issues companies in telecom sector were unable to make key decisions including investments and expansion of operations.”

Government believes establishment of tribunal will help lower burden on high courts concerning adjudication of technical matters. Caretaker Minister said that notification in this regard has been issued. He shared that amendments in Telecom Act have been approved by President. “In absence of Parliament, tribunal will work under Presidential Ordinance,” he said.

Sharing technical details, he said that Ministry of Law will nominate tribunal’s chairperson and members as per ordinance. Chairperson of tribunal can only be High Court judge or lawyer with 15 years of experience. Moreover, telecom tribunal shall have 2 technocrats as members. Number can be increased or decreased as per requirement.

“Tribunal will be bound to decide within 90 days on appeal against decision of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority,” said Dr Saif.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 05 2024

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