Govt Appoints Muhammad Naveed as Chairman PTA

The federal cabinet on Wednesday approved the appointment of Muhammad Naveed as Member (Finance) Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

It was also decided that the newly appointed Member (Finance) would also work as Acting Chairman PTA for three months. Govt said that it will seek to fill the position of regular Chairman PTA during the time.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi chaired a meeting of the Federal Cabinet here on Wednesday, which approved the appointment of Member Finance PTA.

It may be recalled that Mr. Abdul Samad — member compliance — was allowed to exercise PTA powers by Islamabad High Court just yesterday.

However, with today’s notification, Mr. Muhammad Naveed will assume the charge of Chairman PTA.

Muhammad Naveed is a chartered accountant by profession and has been associated with Alcatel Lucent for over 18 years. He has retained CFO position for various Alcatel Lucent markets for over 10 years.

Most recently he had been working as CFO for Alcatel-Lucent for Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

Muhammad Naveed, newly appointed Member Finance, PTA — also the Chairman PTA for next three months

For those who don’t know, PTA is comprised of three members, namely the Member Finance, Member Technical and Member Compliance. Member Technical is usually the Chairman of the Authority.

The tenure of former Chairman PTA Ismail Shah ended on November 13, while Tariq Sultan, former Member Finance PTA, completed his four years term on September 26, 2017.

Both the positions were advertised, however, just the Member Finance has been appointed for now while Member Technical (who will also be the Chairman PTA) is still not filled as government failed to shortlist a suitable candidate.

Position of Member Technical is currently re-advertised and government may appoint a suitable candidate after due process.