ISLAMABAD: A committee constituted by Prime Minister Imran Khan to address the connectivity and taxation issues related to telecom companies, has decided to resolve their issues as soon as possible to improve quality, access and affordability of telecom services.

A meeting of the committee was held under the chairmanship of Shafqat Mahmood, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training (MOFE&PT), here on Friday.

The meeting was also attended by Advisor to PM on Finance and Revenue, Minister for IT and Telecom, secretary MOIT, additional secretary MOFE&PT, chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), chairman NADRA, CEO Universal Service Fund (USF) and senior officers from the MOFE&PT and the MOITT.

The Committee in its meeting deliberated on the connectivity issues, which students are currently facing in their online classes during the COVID-19. The Committee decided to finalise the relief package for students to facilitate the delivery of online education, which is in line with concept of targeted relief.

The Advisor on Finance assured that the government will positively look into this proposal by the Ministry of Federal Education. The Committee also deliberated on the other issues faced by the telecom sector including the taxations issues, and it was decided to resolve them as soon as possible to improve quality, access and affordability of services.

The committee has sought recommendations from all the stakeholders for improving quality of services. The Committee will submit its recommendations to the prime minister after incorporating views of all the stakeholders.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020