Senate body directs PTA to finalise uniform eSIM transfer policy

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to finalise a uniform eSIM transfer policy, accelerate nationwide 5G deployment, and improve mobile network coverage, while also seeking enhanced consumer protection and reforms in telecom regulation. The committee also directed the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) to adopt modern smart metering systems to curb gas leakages, strengthen consumer protection, and address administrative deficiencies within SNGPL. The committee met here on Thursday with Senator Rana Mahmood Ul Hassan in the chair. The Committee reviewed a wide range of issues, including restrictions on eSIM transfers, the rollout of 5G services, mobile network quality and coverage on highways and motorways, alternative mechanisms for SIM issuance, compliance with the Committee’s previous recommendations, and a private member’s bill relating to CSS quota redistribution. The Committee also directed the PTA to ensure healthy competition in the telecom sector, expedite affordable 5G rollout, and introduce consumer-friendly reforms. The Committee received a detailed briefing from the PTA on the transfer of eSIMs from one mobile device to another mobile device. The PTA Chairman informed the Committee that telecom operators currently follow different policies, allowing only limited eSIM transfers. However, PTA is finalizing a uniform policy under which consumers will be able to transfer eSIMs up to ten times through QR codes free of cost. Members expressed concern over increasing consolidation in the telecom sector, warning that mergers could reduce competition and ultimately affect consumers. The PTA maintained that the telecom sector remains deregulated and competitive, adding that increasing competition is expected to reduce eSIM-related costs in the future. The Chairman of the Committee directed PTA to ensure healthy competition so that consumers continue to receive affordable and quality services. Reviewing compliance with previous recommendations, the Committee was informed by the OGRA that the issue relating to the removal of gas meters over alleged leakage had been addressed. The OGRA clarified that responsibility for leakage of metered gas rests with consumers. The Committee, however, emphasized stronger consumer protection measures and directed OGRA to promote modern technologies, including smart metering systems, to reduce leakages and eliminate unnecessary hardships faced by consumers. The Committee was further informed that, following its earlier directions, the OGRA had convened meetings with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and relaxed document requirements regarding settlement of price differentials. Appreciating the initiative, the Committee directed OGRA to ensure timely payments to OMCs to support their financial sustainability. On the rollout of 5G services, the Committee welcomed progress following the spectrum auction and appreciated efforts aimed at improving digital connectivity. Members, however, sought clarification regarding reports of mobile tower sales and stressed that expansion of telecom infrastructure should not compromise the property rights of citizens. The PTA informed the Committee that 499 5G sites have so far been deployed under licensing requirements and that telecom operators expect visible 5G coverage across major areas by the end of the current year. The migration of users to 5G is also expected to significantly improve the quality of existing 4G services. The Committee was informed that Pakistan currently has approximately 15. 6 million 5G-compatible devices, with the number expected to grow steadily. The Chairman Committee directed PTA to facilitate greater affordability of 5G-enabled devices for consumers. Regarding taxation on mobile phones, the Committee was informed that taxation falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), while PTA has no authority in this regard. Officials informed the Committee that around 92 percent of mobile phones are assembled locally and are exempt from taxation, whereas only about eight percent are imported and subject to applicable import duties. The panel also took up the issue of poor mobile coverage and service quality on highways, motorways and other underserved areas. PTA informed members that, in collaboration with the Universal Service Fund (USF), efforts are underway to expand network coverage and eliminate blank spots. Officials further informed the Committee that live monitoring of towers has been introduced, while open-source monitoring mechanisms are also being utilized. National roaming has already commenced along the Makran Coastal Highway, while similar arrangements for motorways are under consideration. The Committee was also informed that work is progressing on radio-based communication systems for Pakistan Railways. Highlighting future technological solutions, the PTA Chairman suggested the use of low-earth-orbit satellite technology to improve connectivity in remote and unserved areas. Responding to queries regarding enforcement, officials informed the Committee that fines amounting to Rs. 4. 3 billion had been imposed on telecom operators during the last two years for service-related violations. The Committee also reviewed the existing mechanism for SIM issuance in cases where biometric verification fails. The PTA informed members that exemptions are currently available in three specified categories upon submission of medical certificates or NADRA verification. The Chairman Committee directed PTA, in coordination with NADRA and telecom operators, to introduce alternative verification methods, including retina scanning and facial recognition through mobile applications, while further strengthening safeguards against illegal SIM issuance. The meeting was attended by Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Senator Saadia Abbasi, and Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, senior officials of the Cabinet Division, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), OGRA, the Establishment Division, telecom operators and other relevant stakeholders. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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