Recently, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, Maj. Gen. (R) Shahzada Alam Malik, met with members of the Upper House from FATA to discuss the provision of enhanced telecom services to the people of NWFP, with particular emphasis on FATA. Additionally, the Chairman assured the Senators that PTA is already focusing on spreading telecom facilities in unserved and underserved areas, with far-off areas of Balochistan and Tribal Regions of NWFP as its top priorities. The PTA is pursuing telecom service providers, especially cellular mobile phone operators, to make their services available in the FATA, as stated by him.
During the meeting, the Senators appreciated PTA’s endeavors to spread telecom services across the country and the growth shown by the telecom sector during recent years. They also discussed the telecom service requirements in their respective areas and highlighted the issues faced by the FATA population in having better fixed and mobile telecom facilities.
Providing enhanced telecom services to underserved areas is an important development goal that can lead to greater economic and social opportunities for people living in these areas. Access to modern communication technology is vital for education, business, and healthcare. The PTA’s efforts to bring mobile phone operators to FATA will help to connect people in the region and provide access to services that were previously unavailable.
Moreover, the Senators’ appreciation of PTA’s efforts to spread telecom services across the country and the growth shown by the telecom sector during recent years is a positive sign of progress. The telecom sector has grown exponentially in Pakistan and has played a significant role in the country’s economic development. We expect this growth to continue with the government’s continued support and the efforts of regulatory bodies like PTA.
In conclusion, the PTA’s efforts to provide enhanced telecom services to the people of NWFP and FATA, and the government’s support for the growth of the telecom sector in Pakistan, are encouraging developments. Improved access to communication technology can lead to more significant economic and social opportunities, and it is essential to continue to work toward bridging the digital divide in Pakistan.
