Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf, during a meeting yesterday with Etisalat delegation led by Mr. Abdul Karim Ahmad Julfar, Group Chief Executive Officer, at the Prime Minister House, has asked the UAE based group to clear the pending USD 800 million that it owes to government of Pakistan for privatization of PTCL.
Prime Minister suggested that Etisalat nominate a team which should sit with the representatives of the government of Pakistan to resolve issues till January 23rd, 2013 — so that we can move forward.
While encouraging Etisalat representatives to participate in the bidding process, the Prime Minister said, “We are very keen to see Etisalat participating in the auction of 3G License Spectrum.” The Prime Minister pointed out that the government had recently formed an oversight committee comprising people with impeccable integrity and repute to ensure transparency and fairness in the auction process.
Etisalat Chief Executive Officer, Mr Abdul Karim Ahmad Julfar, said that Etisalat was a leading telecom operator globally and had a potential to invest considerably in the Telecom sector of Pakistan. He further said that he saw Pakistan as a huge market.
Etisalat, the CEO said, would like to improve the quality of broadband in Pakistan and informed the Prime Minister that his company intends to enhance its operations in the country.
The Prime Minister pointed out that there were some pending issues regarding sale of PTCL to Etisalat.
The Prime Minister assured the Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat that government of Pakistan as part of its policy to encourage foreign investment shall extend all possible assistance to Etisalat.
The CEO of Etisalat said that the expansion of broadband was a key to development in the country and his company would be ready to invest in the telecom sector so that Pakistan could benefit in the process.
Those who attended the meeting included Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr Salim Mandviwala, MoS & Chairman Board of Investment and other senior officials of the government.
it’s all due to Etisalat that the 3G auction is getting delayed again and again. Why to wait for one group so??? If they can’t pay their dues, just keep them away from the auction. there r 4 other major companies which would take part in the bidding eagerly.
The Etisalat – Govt of Pakistan (under Musharraf) deal was that $2.6Bn would be cleared by Etisalat as per what Etisalat bid in the auction. In return Government of Pakistan agreed to suspend issuance of any new Local Loop, LDI or other licenses. These licenses still remain blocked to the detriment of all other Pakistani companies but Etisalat still has not paid the full amount. What justice is this? Why are we sacrificing business opportunities for citizens of our land for the interest of foreigners?
They haven’t paid a single rupee after first installment
Actually we are slaves of Arbees. We can’t take risk of annoying the kings… Shame on us
PM asshole wants commission on the thats why the auction had been delayed