It maybe recalled that PTA had directed the telecom service providers to put a complete halt on prize awarding schemes as it violates Telecom Consumer Protection Control otherwise the authority would take legal action.
Taking PTA up on its threat, all telecom operators had challenged the PTA directives in Islamabad High Court. PTA in defence of its case presented the order of Supreme Court discouraging such activities whereas the prosecutor (cellular companies) pointed out that introduction of prize schemes did not violate consumer rights and that Supreme Court had instructed against prize schemes which were illegal and ill structured.
Telecom operators were of the stance that the prize scheme could not be discontinued with immediate effect as there were a number of stakeholders involved who were working together after having lawfully agreed on the terms and conditions as per law of the land.
The IHC, after initial hearing, had issued a stay order in favor of cellular companies but on Friday it dismissed their petitions.
