ATM Operations in Pakistan at Risk of Major Disruption

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom received an update from Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman regarding significant arrears owed by Long-Distance International (LDI) operators. Rehman reported that while 10 of the 15 companies have cleared Rs10 billion in arrears, Rs24 billion remains unpaid, with late penalties increasing the total to Rs74 billion.

The PTA chairman cautioned that if payments are not made, the agency may consider license revocations, potentially impacting up to 50% of mobile services and 40% of ATM networks in Pakistan.

The committee also reviewed Pakistan’s heavy reliance on foreign fiber-optic infrastructure, discussing the newly introduced National Fiberisation Policy, aimed at strengthening local infrastructure and reducing external dependence.

Further discussions addressed regulatory progress on the proposed Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2024. Some members questioned the Ministry’s ability to regulate AI, given challenges in managing social media content and misinformation. A suggestion was made to examine regulatory models, such as China’s, which involve alternative platforms for enhanced control of digital information.