Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman has revealed that theft incidents have been reported at around 9,000 telecom sites across the country, saying the growing problem has adversely affected service delivery and network operations.
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Speaking during a briefing, the PTA chief said that damage caused by theft at telecom infrastructure frequently leads to service disruptions, creating inconvenience for consumers and additional financial pressure on operators.
He noted that when customers purchase mobile packages but are unable to use the services due to network outages, the government expects telecom companies to compensate consumers by refunding the unused amount.
The chairman said the regulator remains committed to protecting consumer rights while also addressing operational challenges faced by telecom companies.
Highlighting the PTA’s enforcement efforts, he stated that the authority has imposed fines worth Rs4 billion on telecom operators over poor quality of service. The penalties, he said, are intended to ensure that operators maintain acceptable service standards and improve network reliability.
The PTA chief also clarified that the authority has no role in imposing taxes on mobile services or devices. He explained that taxation falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), not the telecom regulator.
His remarks come amid continued public complaints about network disruptions and service quality in different parts of the country. Telecom operators have repeatedly pointed to infrastructure theft, power outages and vandalism as major factors affecting uninterrupted connectivity.
The PTA said it will continue monitoring operators’ performance and enforcing quality standards while coordinating with relevant authorities to help protect critical telecom infrastructure from theft and sabotage.
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The chairman stressed that improving telecom services requires both stronger protection of network infrastructure and continued investment by operators to enhance coverage and service quality across Pakistan.