The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has strictly directed all mobile operators to obtain explicit prior consent from subscribers before activating any Value-Added Services (VAS) – packages, amid growing concerns over unauthorized deductions.
In a clarification issued on Sunday, the regulator advised consumers to regularly check and manage their active subscriptions through their respective mobile operator’s official applications to avoid unwanted charges.
The statement comes in response to concerns raised on social media regarding mobile tariffs, service quality, and unauthorized deductions. PTA reiterated its commitment to safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring transparency in the telecom sector.
To establish a structured tariff regime, PTA said it has notified the Mobile Tariff Regulations, 2025. Under these rules, operators designated as having Significant Market Power (SMP) must obtain prior approval from the authority before introducing or revising tariffs.
Other operators are allowed to set tariffs based on business considerations but remain subject to regulatory intervention if pricing harms consumer interests.
The authority emphasized that while it acts as a guardian of consumer rights, sustainable market conditions are equally important. It noted that Pakistan continues to maintain one of the lowest Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) levels and among the most affordable mobile data prices in the region.
PTA also highlighted efforts to improve service quality, including a spectrum auction planned for March 2026.
The auction will require significant investment from mobile operators to acquire additional spectrum and expand network infrastructure, which the regulator said will lead to improvements in coverage, data speeds, and overall network performance.
Reaffirming its commitment to a balanced regulatory framework, PTA urged consumers facing service-related issues to lodge complaints through its toll-free helpline 0800-55050 or via the Complaint Management System available on its official website.
Was PTA fast asleep for last 25 years???
It’s extremely simple to tackle VAS activations. Just send user a text message to explicitly reply with YES before activating any VAS. I hope no chain of meetings required for this to implement.
It’s again common sense if i say.
Every operator must be forced to make available to show itemized all credit/debit transactions for subscriber because most of them don’t show it to consumer and also don’t show all added third-party services/VAS subscribed through their own apps.
Ufone keeps telling me 1mb used (i have it turned off)
MY mobile is not approved from pta please let approved it
The most worst in this regard is ZonG. They will never leave, even one paisa in the account, without any notification or confirmation.
PTA team
I appreciate your this tiny initiative.
But there is another issue which bears every Pakistani. Everywhere month is considered as 30 days but for Pakistani people it is 29 days whenever we activate a monthly package it is always ends on one day before month please take notice on it companies earn billions rupees through this one day deduction from customer. Same situation with weekly packages.