Govt appoints chairperson for Telecommunication Appellate Tribunal after 15-month delay

The government has appointed Justice Muhammad Tariq Abbasi, former judge of the Lahore High Court, as the chairperson of the Telecommunication Appellate Tribunal, after a 15-month delay. 

The decision, made on Wednesday, follows the approval of the Telecommunication Appellate Tribunal Act 2024 in September 2024, which mandates a three-member tribunal. However, only two members have been appointed so far, with the position of Member Finance still vacant.

The Ministry of Law issued a notification confirming Justice Abbasi’s appointment on a contract basis, with a tenure lasting either four years or until he reaches the age of 68. Imad Memon has been appointed as a Member of Technical.

The tribunal aims to provide faster resolution of telecom disputes, ensure independent oversight of telecom regulation, and streamline the backlog of appeals against Pakistan Telecommunication Authority decisions.