Islamabad:  Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Maj. Gen. Shahazada Alam Malik (Retd) met Dr Hamadoun Touré, Secretary-General International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and Houlin Zhao Deputy Secretary-General, ITU at ITU Tower at the eve of World Radio Conference 2007 in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting was aimed to apprise the Secretary General on developments in telecom sector and international activities of Pakistan especially with reference to ITU, and to seek assistance of ITU in development of telecom sector of Pakistan.

Chairman PTA briefed Secretary Gen regarding latest developments in telecom sector comprising of mobile growth, successful MNP implementation, WLL success story, rural PCOs under President Rozgar Scheme, USF fund, R&D Fund and issues related to mutual interest. Chairman further informed regarding capacity developed at PTA in the deregulation process and consultancy provided by PTA at international level to Uganda, Kenya, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Papua New Guinea etc. Representation of Pakistan was also desired and Secretary Gen. ensured to do his best in this regard. Chairman explained the Secretary Gen. regarding successful operation of Center of Excellence (CoE) at Pakistan and planned courses for the year 2008.

The Secretary Gen. expressed his great confidence on telecom development capacities in Pakistan and acknowledged these achievements as remarkable. He mentioned that Pakistan can be presented as a role model and ITU will plan a case study on the subject as a part of activities under Telecommunication Development Bureau. He said ITU will also like to contribute to Pakistan telecom sector and would sponsor more ITU projects in Pakistan to further develop the capacity of telecom sector.

Chairman reaffirmed full support of PTA and Government of Pakistan and its activities particularly focus on its role in development of the developing countriesâ?? networks. The Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General reciprocated warmly and assured to continue their efforts in this direction. The meeting was acknowledged beneficial for both the parties.

It may be mentioned that World Radio Conference is being held after four years and is dealing with Radio Communication and Spectrum issues and is being attended by 200 member countries. Chairman PTA is attending as member Radio Regulation Board - an elected body within ITU consisting of 12 members from all parts of the world.

 

Khurram Ali Mehran

Deputy Director (PR)