IT Division Briefs Advisor To PM On Privatisation & Investment on Telecom De-Regulation Policy

Islamabad, February 10, 2003

The Telecom sector of Pakistan should be opened up for maximum competition in order to transfer the modern technology through the world's renowned operators, improve the quality of service and benefit the consumers through appropriate tariff regime. This was stated by the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Privatisation and Investment Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh while chairing a meeting here today.

Dr. Hafeez Shaikh said that the policy should simultaneously provide conducive atmosphere to the private sector already present in Pakistan and attract new groups to operate in Pakistan. All possible measures should be incorporated in the draft de-regulation policy of Telecommunication sector to safe guard and ensure the national interests and the consumers benefits, he added.

The Secretary IT Division Mr. Ashfaq Mehmood stated that necessary input  from all the stake holders have been incorporated in the draft policy being presented before the Federal Cabinet for approval in March 2003.

Senior officers of IT Division and Privatisation Commission were present during the meeting.