The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has begun issuing determination and enforcement orders against Long Distance and International (LDI) operators for non-payment of Access Promotion Contribution (APC) charges owed to the Universal Service Fund (USF).
These actions, taken under Section 23 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Act, 1996, currently target six operators, with three more expected to follow.
While PTA has not yet barred these companies from operating, it has instructed them to clear their dues within thirty (30) days of receiving the orders. Failure to comply may result in additional penalties and legal proceedings.
According to official records, PTA conducted a series of hearings with LDI operators between April and May 2025, addressing unresolved license renewals and unpaid dues totaling Rs. 80 billion, comprising Rs. 24 billion in outstanding principal and Rs. 56 billion in late payment surcharge (LPAF).
These hearings did not lead to any settlements, as several companies either failed to cooperate or relied on court-issued stay orders. Following these proceedings, PTA has begun issuing binding determination and enforcement orders to recover the dues and assert its regulatory authority.
A leading LDI has been asked to pay Rs. 6.25 billion (Principal: Rs. 2.0 billion + LPAF: Rs. 4.24 billion), followed by a hearing on 14th April 2025. Circle Net Communications (Pvt.) Ltd has been asked to pay Rs. 5.9 billion (Principal: Rs. 1.64 billion + LPAF: Rs. 4.25 billion), followed by a hearing on 5th May 2025. Multinet Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd has been asked to pay Rs. 1.41 billion (Principal: Rs. 605 million + LPAF: Rs. 808 million), followed by a hearing on 9th April 2025.
REDtone Telecommunications Pakistan (Pvt.) Ltd has been asked to pay the highest amount to date — Rs. 14.31 billion (Principal: Rs. 4.10 billion + LPAF: Rs. 10.21 billion), followed by a hearing on 9th April 2025. Worldcall Telecom Ltd has been directed to pay Rs. 5.69 billion (Principal: Rs. 1.77 billion + LPAF: Rs. 3.92 billion), followed by a hearing on 10th April 2025. Telecard Ltd has been asked to deposit Rs. 4.07 billion (Principal: Rs. 1.29 billion + LPAF: Rs. 2.77 billion), followed by a hearing on 15th April 2025.
Out of 13 LDI operators, four have already cleared their outstanding dues, while five others have agreed to installment plans covering Rs. 8.2 billion. Four companies have refused any payment arrangement. As of 2025, licenses of seven operators have expired; only four were renewed in 2024, with the remaining two set to expire in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
PTA’s enforcement action follows failed reconciliation efforts led by the Ministry of IT, as well as ongoing litigation involving several operators with active stay orders.