The Senate of Pakistan was informed that government officials serving as members of the Board of Directors (BoD) of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) are entitled to a maximum annual remuneration of Rs. 1 million. Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, shared these details in a written reply while addressing questions regarding the salaries and allowances of PTCL board members.

The Minister explained that the remuneration cap is part of the guidelines issued by the Finance Division on July 10, 2024. These guidelines stipulate that any amount exceeding Rs. 1 million in annual payments must be deposited into the government treasury. Furthermore, officials are required to maintain detailed records of such deposits and submit them to the administration wing of their respective ministries to ensure compliance.

She elaborated on the structure of the PTCL board, which is governed by a shareholder agreement between the Government of Pakistan and Etisalat International Pakistan, the strategic investor. The board consists of nine directors, with five nominated by Etisalat and four, including the Chairman, nominated by the Federal Government.

Government appointees to the PTCL board receive remuneration for their services, but these payments are strictly regulated to ensure transparency and accountability. The guidelines aim to protect the government’s shareholding interests while maintaining public trust in the management of the organization.