BeNewz
Related Articles
Aftab Maken
Islamabad
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication has questioned the PTCL management over the sale of its prime land in Karachi’s megacity. The Committee asked PTCL to explain under which specific clauses the company is authorized to sell this land.
The Committee also summoned the CEO of PTCL to appear before it and respond to the members’ queries. In addition, the Committee directed that officials from the Ministry of Law must also be present in the next meeting.
The Chairman further questioned how PTCL was proceeding with the sale of properties worth billions of rupees.
Expressing displeasure over the absence of the PTCL CEO, the Chairman of the Standing Committee asked, “Where is the CEO of PTCL? How is PTCL selling properties worth billions of rupees?” He termed the CEO’s absence as contempt of Parliament.
The Committee’s meeting was held at the Parliament House, where the agenda concerning the sale and purchase of PTCL properties was discussed.
It was brought to the Committee’s attention that PTCL is planning to sell certain properties, including some high-value assets. The Committee instructed PTCL to present the specific clauses in its sales and purchase agreements that authorize the company to proceed with these transactions.
Furthermore, the Committee emphasized that the presence of the PTCL CEO must be ensured in the next meeting so he can respond to the Committee’s questions.
Angered by the CEO’s absence, the Chairman questioned his whereabouts and again labeled his non-attendance as an insult to Parliament. He noted that despite being summoned, the CEO had failed to appear repeatedly, which he said was disrespectful to the Committee.
“We will not take up the PTCL agenda unless the CEO is present,” the Chairman asserted. “If the CEO is in Islamabad, he should be called immediately. Until he arrives, there will be no discussion on PTCL-related matters.”
PTCL officials informed the Committee that the CEO was attending a meeting at the UAE Embassy. In response, the Chairman remarked that Committee members had traveled from remote areas to attend this session, while others had joined online. He criticized the scheduling of a meeting at the UAE Embassy on the same day as the Committee session, calling it inappropriate.
