ISLAMABAD
The federal government has decided to introduce a regulatory framework for incoming international calls, aiming to strengthen national security, enhance transparency, and improve revenue collection, officials familiar with the matter said.
According to sources in the Ministry of IT, policy directions have been issued to the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to initiate the process of regulating overseas call traffic. The move targets better oversight of international long-distance incoming (LDI) calls, which are currently routed through multiple channels.
Authorities say consultations are underway with telecom operators and relevant stakeholders to finalise the regulatory mechanism. Once the process is complete, formal approval will be granted to implement the new system nationwide.
Officials believe the regulation will introduce stronger checks and balances in the handling of international telecom traffic, ensuring that all incoming calls are properly monitored and accounted for. The initiative is also expected to curb irregular routing practices and improve the government’s share of telecom revenues.
The PTA is preparing to enhance its monitoring capabilities, with plans to tighten control over international telecom traffic and enforce compliance across operators.
Industry sources indicate that the new framework will expand the role of local telecom operators and LDI companies, integrating them more closely into the regulated system.
The move signals a broader push by the government to modernise telecom oversight, bringing international communication channels under stricter regulatory control amid growing concerns over security and revenue leakage.
