Lawmakers Express Concerns Over Criteria for PTCL and Ufone Board Selection

A Senate Committee meeting was held to discuss matters related to the selection of board members of PTCL and Ufone. The agenda focused on the names, designations, and privileges of individuals serving on these boards. Officials from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication presented detailed records before the committee. They shared the list of board members and the positions assigned to them.

The provided documents also included information about the number of board meetings held in recent financial years. These records showed that meetings took place regularly, and full participation was observed from nominated officials. Details about government-nominated directors were also explained.

Lawmakers Express Concerns Over Criteria for PTCL and Ufone Board Selection

During the meeting, questions were raised about the composition of boards. Senator Sadia Abbasi pointed out that Senator Anusha Rahman has also been included as a board member. She asked whether other sitting senators or members of the National Assembly were also part of similar boards. The officials informed that details of nominated officers had already been submitted.

Senator Afnanullah highlighted that many individuals in public institutions are members of multiple boards at the same time. He said that one female government officer is currently serving on five different boards. This led to further questions on whether such practices reflect a structured selection process or a lack of transparency.

Members expressed concern over how appointments are made to these boards. They stated that several individuals serving in multiple organizations raise questions about fairness. They also spoke about whether appointments are made through merit-based evaluation or only through administrative discretion.

The committee expressed reservations regarding the criteria used for board formation in various institutions. The chairperson asked officials to explain clearly what standards are applied when members are nominated. She also stressed that the process must be open for review so that institutions work under clear and transparent rules.

Officials from the ministry responded that all nominations are made in accordance with relevant policies and legal requirements. They also mentioned that government representation is ensured to safeguard public interest. Further documents will be provided in the upcoming sessions to clarify remaining concerns.

Members noted that information regarding benefits offered to board members should also be shared. They emphasized that the role of boards is important in policy decisions and financial oversight. Therefore, transparency and accountability must be ensured.

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The committee further noted that many institutions and state-owned enterprises follow different criteria for selecting board members. This inconsistency, in their view, can affect governance standards. It was suggested that a uniform structure should be adopted for all major organizations.

The discussion concluded with directions to provide additional documentation. The committee will also review policies followed by other government-run institutions. It was suggested that recommendations may be formed later to improve the selection process.

The matter will again be taken up in the next meeting. The committee expects the ministry to provide full clarity, particularly relating to merit frameworks, the number of board positions per officer, and financial benefits given to nominated members.