The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has temporarily shut down IJ Internet Services (Private) Limited’s license after the company failed to clear long-pending payments, including its Annual License Fee for the financial year ending June 2022 and the associated late penalty.
Under the enforcement order, issued in line with Section 23 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996, the suspension will last for one month — or until the outstanding amount is settled. If the company still doesn’t comply, the license will be revoked permanently.
Repeated Reminders Ignored
PTA records show the internet provider was granted a non-exclusive license in August 2014 to offer Data Class Value Added Services. This license requires the submission of annual audited accounts and payment of fees within 120 days after each financial year ends.
From October 2022 to January 2025, the regulator sent multiple letters and emails urging the company to pay up, but there was no response. A Show Cause Notice was issued in January 2024, giving seven days to clear dues and 30 days to provide a written explanation. A hearing was set for May 9, 2024, at PTA headquarters in Islamabad.
The company skipped the hearing, did not reply to the notice, and even failed to update its official contact address as required by law. A final deadline of January 31, 2025, also passed without action.
Tougher Measures in Place
With no cooperation from the licensee, PTA officials proceeded with the case in the company’s absence. The authority has now instructed all telecom operators — including LDI, LL, TIP, and mobile service providers — to cut off any facilities extended to IJ Internet Services until further orders.
The move highlights PTA’s increasingly strict stance on regulatory non-compliance, particularly against operators who continue to function without fulfilling financial obligations.
