PTA given more time

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Friday accepted the plea of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to grant more time to initiate the auction for 3G spectrum in a transparent manner till October 14.

A three-member bench led by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry resumed the hearing of identical petitions that had sought speedy completion of auction for 3G spectrum on an urgent basis, and the appointment of Chairman PTA as well as some members of the Authority at the earliest.

During proceedings, Deputy Attorney General (DAG) for Pakistan Imran-ul-Haq produced copies of PTA members’ appointment notifications before the bench and sought more time to initiate the process of auction for 3G spectrum.

He said that in pursuance of the court orders, three vacant slots in the PTA were filled through appointing Dr. Syed Ismail Shah as member technical, who also took charge as the Acting Chairman of the Authority, Tariq Sultan Chaudhry as member finance and former Justice Sardar Muhammad Raza Khan as member compliance.

The bench reiterated that the auction for 3G Spectrum would benefit the national kitty so that a transparent process in this regard should be completed on urgent basis.

Ali Raza, the counsel for one of the petitioners Khurram Chughtai, objected to the appointment of Acting Chairman of the PTA Dr Syed Ismail Shah and contended that an inquiry was held against him during his tenure in the Information Technology Ministry which led to Dr Shah tendering his resignation with the statement, “I am not fit for government service”.

During hearing, Deputy Manager Legal IT Ministry verified that Dr Syed Ismail Shah had resigned from the Ministry.

Raza also objected to the appointment of member finance Tariq Sultan Chaudhry for holding a dual nationality; to which Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry observed, “Perhaps a dual national is not banned from becoming member finance of the PTA”.

The bench categorically denied that it had anything to do with appointments, terming it the discretion of the government; however, the court said it would be a matter of grave concern if slots were left vacant in institutions.

Chief Justice Chaudhry said while addressing Ali Raza: “Let institutions function and don’t find fault with them”.

The court adjourned the hearing of case till Oct 14.