MUZAFFARABAD (Kashif Zia): The Regional Office of the Federal Ombudsman in Muzaffarabad has summoned the Zonal Head of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), Muzaffarabad, on April 9 in a case related to the poor internet service in Azad Kashmir.
The complaint, filed with the Federal Ombudsman office in Kashmir’s capital, alleged that the inadequate internet services in Azad Kashmir have caused inconvenience and disruption to daily life.
Azar Ahmed Dar, a resident of Muzaffarabad, complained about the bad quality of the internet and cellular services of Zong, Telenor, and PTCL, along with the maladministration and neglect by the Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) towards resolving the issue.
The Wafaqi Mohtasib took notice of the complaint and called upon the PTA official to address the grievances and reply, including rebuttal, if any, within seven days.
“Further extension in submission of reply, would be considered only for seven days, if your request is received with full justification within seven days of the receipt of this letter,” the letter wrote.
As per the letter, a hearing has been scheduled for April 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM, where the telecom authority will be required to present its case and provide justification for the poor services. The Wafaqi Mohtasib has warned that failure to comply may result in disciplinary action against the concerned officers.
The Federal Ombudsman noted that “all complaints are required to be decided by this office within 60 days as per requirement of law.”
“You are, therefore, advised to depute an officer fully conversant with facts of the case and authorized to give a statement/make commitment on behalf of the Agency during the hearing,” the letter added.
Moreover, the Regional Office of Federal Ombudsman mentioned that “the case will be decided ex-parte based on available documents, in case PTA Zonal Head Muzaffarbad fails to submit a reply within the due date or your representative does not appear for the hearing.”
