$8,000 for Attending One Board Meeting? PTCL’s Controversial Fee Sparks Senate Uproar

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications (IT & Telecom) convened to review the PTCL board’s $8000 fee and other allowances of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) board members, prompting tough questions from senators about government oversight and public accountability.

During the session, PTCL’s legal advisor briefed the committee, explaining that board member perks are limited. “Board members do not have extraordinary privileges; however, they do receive fees for attending board meetings,” officials said.

The committee was informed that the PTCL board consists of four government-appointed members, three secretaries, and one federal minister responsible for economic affairs. Senator Saadia Abbasi inquired about the identity of the federal minister, to which PTCL officials confirmed it is Ahad Cheema.

Senator Abbasi cited a directive from the federal minister of law stating that the Prime Minister had ordered a cap on board fees. “No one should receive more than PKR 10 lakh,” she noted. “Any excess must be returned to the national treasury.”

The committee pressed further, asking whether any board member had returned fees exceeding this limit. The chairperson of the committee highlighted concerns over excessive allowances for government officials, saying, “If these are public servants, how are they receiving $8,000 for attending a single meeting? It is inappropriate for someone already on a government salary.”

What This Means for Public Sector Governance

This session highlights a recurring issue in Pakistan’s public sector: the lack of clear oversight on perks and allowances. While PTCL insists board fees are within regulations, the optics of high compensation for government officials raise questions about accountability and fiscal prudence.

Experts say such controversies can erode public trust, particularly when government employees earn multiple allowances on top of their salaries. Implementing transparent reporting, independent audits, and stricter adherence to federal caps could prevent misuse and improve confidence in public sector governance.

For PTCL, the Senate’s scrutiny serves as a reminder that even routine board processes can become high-profile if perceived as excessive or unfair, underscoring the need for robust governance and ethical compliance.

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