As Pakistan has been waiting for the resolution of an issue related to 'pending dues ($800 million) on account of privatisation of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL)' for the last 14 years, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has decided to expedite efforts in recovering the said amount from United Arab Emirates' telecom giant Etisalat.

According to officials, Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, while chairing a meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, directed the concerned ministries and departments to speed up the process of resolving all issues that are hindering the recovery of $800 million. Privatisation Minister Mohammedmian Soomro and IT Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui were also present on the occasion. During the meeting, the adviser was briefed on issues concerning the transfer of properties to Etisalat and the pending payments to be made by the company. The adviser directed the officials concerned to resolve all outstanding issues in a smooth and amicable manner, asking the government team to contact the senior management of Etisalat and listen to their viewpoint.

© Pakistan Press International, source Asianet-Pakistan