Billions of rupees require to settle PTCL pensioners issue, IT Body informed

ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) - Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication was informed Thursday that around 40,000 pensioners of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) have been issued proforma to determine payable amount and other details in respect of pension benefits.

"Billions of rupees are required to settle pensioners matters. The pensioners are being paid pensions but the issue is settlement of increase in their pension," Minister of State for IT, Mrs. Anusha
Rahman said.

The meeting, chaired by Senator Shahi Syed was also informed that till 2010, the pension increases announced by the federal government were adopted by Pakistan Telecommunication Employees Trust (PTET) (agreed by Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited) without any modification.

However, the Federal government announced an unusual 20 per cent increase in pension in 2010, which was not applied by PTET Board to all the pensioners, keeping in view of applicable legal framework.

The meeting was attended by Senators including Rehman Malik, Mrs. Najma Hameed, Gianchand, Taj Muhammad Afridi, Ghous Muhammad Khan Niazi and Syed Shibli Faraz, Secretary IT, Azmat Ali Ranjha, Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Dr. Ismail Shah and representatives of Special Communication Organization (SCO), Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR), Universal Service Fund (USF) and
National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC).

Senator Rehman Malik said retired employees tirelessly pursued the case of non-payment of their pensions and Supreme Court had finally helped the retired employees by ordering PTCL to clear all
dues.

Anusha Rahman said now PTET, Federation of Pakistan and PTCL have file review applications in Supreme Court where the preliminary proceedings were held on October 21. The next date of hearing in the
matter is November 10.

All the Committee members present in the meeting emphasized settlement of this matter on priority as per employees-favourable verdict of Supreme Court.