The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) was founded as a regulatory body for all newly launched cellular companies, whether they are foreign or local ventures, post 9/11 and the subsequent communication explosion. Thus far, the authority has effectively performed its role as a regulatory body, except for some instances where lower-level staff in the enforcement department unfortunately misinterpret their role as that of policing, leading to harassment of new entrepreneurs venturing into the wireless communication domain. This situation is not conducive to boosting the sector, which has reached a saturation point, causing many foreign companies to consider disinvestment and withdrawal of their investments.
In such a precarious situation, it is crucial for local entrepreneurs to step up and save the day for both Pakistan and the PTA. The PTA’s primary responsibility is to promote new business rather than creating unnecessary hurdles for startups, which serve as the backbone of the economy.
One particular entity, Skylight Internet Service Provider, founded by a group of young friends in Abbottabad, faces harassment and a witch hunt by the enforcement staff of the PTA, despite having already applied for a license. This action contradicts the constitutional guarantee of equal opportunity for all citizens to engage in business. As a third-world country, Pakistan requires a first-class professional approach to infuse new spirit into startups and facilitate their progress and prosperity, rather than killing the goose that lays the potential golden egg. The PTA itself would benefit from such an approach since it receives license fees from these startups.
One can hope that better judgment prevails among our regulatory authorities to promote businesses that will help revive the debt-ridden economy, which is currently dependent on IMF bailouts. Long live Pakistan, where begging is easier than doing business. 🇵🇰
