IT Ministry Submits Details of Pending LDI Dues to Govt

The Ministry of Information Technology (MoIT) has made significant progress in recovering outstanding dues from Long Distance International (LDI) companies and renewing their licenses. The ministry has submitted details of pending court cases related to LDI companies to the Attorney General of Pakistan.

42 court cases are pending against LDI companies, and the MoIT has compiled details of these cases. The ministry has requested the federal government to approach the Supreme Court for an early resolution of these cases. This move aims to expedite the recovery of billions of rupees owed by LDI companies.

LDI companies owe Rs. 24 billion in universal service fund charges, while telecom companies need to pay Rs. 54 billion in late payment surcharges. The licenses of LDI companies are set to expire in 2024, adding urgency to the matter. The MoIT’s efforts seek to ensure timely renewal and payment of outstanding dues.

Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima, along with ministry officials, met with the Attorney General to discuss the matter. The MoIT has prepared regulations for the appointment of a referee judge and will submit them to the federal cabinet for approval.

According to the sources, the federal government will approach the Supreme Court for resolution after cabinet approval. The Attorney General’s office will prepare proposals in consultation with the Ministry of Law and Justice, which will then be submitted to the federal cabinet for approval.