TIP urges Pakistan to recover PTCL dues from Etisalat, saying the unpaid $800 million has grown to $6 billion, as the UAE seeks $3.5 billion loan repayment, fueling financial debate.
MediaBites News
Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) has urged the government to recover long-pending dues from the privatization of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), saying the unpaid amount has surged to nearly $6 billion over two decades.
According to reports, the original $800 million balance from PTCL’s 2005 sale to UAE-based Etisalat remains unsettled. TIP argues that, given the accumulated financial impact over 20 years, the value has significantly increased, placing pressure on Islamabad to revisit the deal.
The development comes amid fresh financial strain, with the United Arab Emirates reportedly asking Pakistan to repay around $3.5 billion in outstanding loans.
TIP has called on the government to take a firm stance and recover the PTCL dues, suggesting that the unresolved payment could offset part of Pakistan’s liabilities to the UAE.
Analysts say the issue could become a key point in ongoing financial negotiations between the two countries, raising questions about accountability, contract enforcement, and the long-term implications of privatization agreements.
Officials have yet to issue a detailed response on the matter, while the status of the disputed payment remains unclear.
