Rehman Malik chairs meeting to curb Gray Traffic, blockage of unauthorized SIMs
ISLAMABAD, May 21 (APP): A high level meeting was held in the Ministry of Interior under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Interior, Senator A. Rehman Malik to examine the ways and means to curb Gray Traffic in Pakistan.Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Secretary, Ministry of Information Technology and DG, FIA, representatives of PTA and other government departments were present on the occasion.Different issues were discussed in the meeting including capacity of monitoring system which is presently only 30% and needs to go to the level of 100%.Ministry of Information Technology has been requested to pursue the matter for sanction of funds.
It was also observed that the recent blockage of unauthorized SIMs will have a positive impact in the reduction of Gray Traffic.
People have been advised that all those who have got more than the prescribed limits of SIMs should surrender immediately to PTA as a thorough scrutiny of the SIMs has been ordered and any body found in possession of those SIMS shall be proceeded with in accordance with the law.
It has also been observed that V-fone system is being used by the Gray Traffickers so it was decided that more than three lines by any individual/premises/department will have to get an NOC from the PTA and its information shall be supplied to the FIA.
It was also decided to recommend to enhance the punishment/penalty for the violators from three years to seven years and fine from Rs. 10 million to Rs. 50 million besides making it non-bailable offence.
It was also decided in the meeting that 20 million cash reward shall be given to anyone who will point out the Gray Traffic to the authorities and 10% of the recovery will also be given to the informer.
A copy of the daily monitoring report of the PTA shall be supplied to the FIA directly with a copy to the Ministry of Information Technology.
A Task Force has been announced whereby a team will be headed by Director, FIA Shahid Nadeem Baloch and sub task forces comprising of representatives from ISI, IB, PTA and local police will also be constituted.
The Task Force will submit, every fortnightly, report of their progress on the cases/raids to curb gray traffic.
Those who will be arrested while indulging in gray traffic will be made public through electronic and print media.
The mobile operators/service providers have been advised to exercise extra caution/due diligence before issuance of such SIM Cards as they will be liable for legal action as recommended by the task force.
It has also been decided by the Government that there will be zero tolerance for gray traffic in Pakistan and its progress/monitoring shall be jointly done by the Secretary Interior and Secretary Information Technology.
The public has beeen advised that if they get any international call being terminated into their mobile or land line through a local number it, should immediately be reported to the telephone numbers (i) PTA 080055055, (ii) NCMC:051-9211224 and (iii) Director FIA: 051-9267250.
The information of the informer shall be kept secret.