Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996
The Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996 is a Federal Legislation aimed at restructuring and regulating the telecommunications industry in Pakistan. It extends to the whole of Pakistan. The Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996’s primary objective was to modernize and expand the telecommunications sector by introducing competition, improving service quality, and attracting private sector investment. The Act established the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) as the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the industry, including licensing and quality control. It led to the creation of the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) as a public limited company responsible for providing fixed-line telephony and broadband services. The Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996 encouraged market liberalization and competition by attracting new telecom operators and service providers. It also introduced a licensing framework to define the scope and terms of telecom services, attracting both foreign and domestic investment. The Act allowed the introduction of modern technologies like mobile and broadband services, significantly expanding access to telecommunication services in Pakistan. The Act also emphasized consumer protection, ensuring that consumer rights were safeguarded and quality services were delivered. The Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996 has repealed The Pakistan Telecommunication Corporations Act, 1991(XVIII of 1991), The Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Ordinance, 1996 (LXXVII of 1996), and the Ministry of Communications, Government of Pakistan, Notifications numbering 5(4)/95-PTC, dated the 7th August, 1995. The Rules & Regulations made under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996 are appended below:
