PESHAWAR (MEDIA)
The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has ordered the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) to deactivate illegal mobile phone SIMs.
During proceedings of the suo moto case pertaining to illegal SIMs, Chief Justice PHC Dost Muhammad remarked that illegal SIMs were being used in terrorist activity. He added that the IB, ISI, FIA and cellular phone companies should decided on a course of action.
DG PTA and representatives from cellular companies appeared before the court during Tuesday’s hearing.
The court said it should not be forced to cancel the licenses of cellular companies, adding that the country was witnessing devastation, while the companies were running after the dollars.
Justice Dost Muhammad remarked that SIMs were being sold like potatoes. One person had 52 SIMs, while nearly one million Afghan SIMs were being used in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He issued that if a company’s SIM is used for communication during terrorist activities then the company will be asked to pay compensation to the victims.
Justice Khan said selling illegal SIM cards also results in the evasion of precious tax money and it had a negative impact on the country’s security.
In the face of increasing terrorism, Peshawar High Court CJ, Dost Mohammad Khan ordered that action be taken against providers of illegal SIMs in the province.
He issued that if a company’s SIM is used for communication during terrorist activities then the company will be asked to pay compensation to the victims.
Justice Khan said selling illegal SIM cards also results in the evasion of precious tax money and it had a negative impact on the country’s security.
There are close to one million Afghan SIMs in the province that work properly everywhere, he remarked. He requested the KP government to handle the matter and carry out the required investigations.
The PHC took suo motu notice of the illegal sale of mobile SIM cards in the country, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), last Friday. The court directed Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) chairman, chief executives of cellular companies, K-P chief secretary, K-P advocate general, interior secretary and attorney general of Pakistan to submit a report and appear before the court.
There are close to one million Afghan SIMs in the province that work properly everywhere, he remarked. He requested the KP government to handle the matter and carry out the required investigations.