ISLAMABAD

Pakistan’s Senate IT and Telecom Committee on Tuesday scrutinised mounting losses at Ufone over the past five years, while reigniting concerns over $800 million in pending payments linked to the Etisalat Group.

During the session, officials from the Ministry of IT confirmed that Ufone operates under Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited, prompting lawmakers to question financial oversight and long-term viability of the state-linked telecom operator.

The committee chairperson pressed authorities on when Etisalat would return the outstanding $800 million to the government, warning that if the United Arab Emirates has already settled its obligations elsewhere, Pakistan must also secure its dues.

Senator Afnan Ullah Khan noted that with profit margins applied, the रकम could now exceed a billion dollars, amplifying the urgency of recovery efforts.

Highlighting the gravity of the issue, the chairperson announced a joint session with the Senate Privatisation Committee — also chaired by Senator Afnan — to pursue the matter further and ensure coordinated action.

The development signals renewed parliamentary pressure on both financial accountability within Pakistan’s telecom sector and resolution of long-standing international payment disputes.