IT Ministry Presents Telecom Equipment Standards Regulations to CCLC

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) has presented the Telecom Equipment Standards Regulations to the Cabinet Committee for Legislative Cases (CCLC), sources told ProPakistani. Earlier, the regulations were vetted by the Ministry of Law and forwarded to the Cabinet Division for further processing. However, the Cabinet Division returned the draft to the IT Ministry, instructing that it be presented before the CCLC prior to submission to the federal cabinet for approval. The IT Ministry has now completed this step, paving the way for consideration by the federal cabinet. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), in its annual report, highlighted the establishment of the Standards and Conformance Assurance Directorate, a specialized body tasked with defining testing methods in line with regulatory technical standards. This initiative reflects PTA’s commitment to enhancing the quality and reliability of telecom equipment available in Pakistan. The directorate’s primary role is to ensure that all telecom devices meet the required specifications before entering the market, thereby preventing potential disruptions and security risks. The draft regulations apply to various stakeholders in the telecom industry, including licensees, manufacturers, and importers. The regulatory framework addresses critical aspects such as electromagnetic compatibility, health and safety, and radio frequency communication. The overarching goal of these measures is to curb the distribution of substandard or incompatible telecom products that could negatively affect network performance and pose potential hazards to users. According to a PTA document, the implementation of rigorous testing measures will help maintain seamless communication services and minimize technical issues caused by faulty or non-compliant equipment. By enforcing these standards, PTA aims to protect both consumers and businesses from risks associated with low-quality telecom devices. Additionally, adherence to these regulations will contribute to the overall efficiency and security of Pakistan’s telecommunications sector. With the CCLC review completed, the next step is for the federal cabinet to deliberate on the regulations. If approved, the new framework will strengthen regulatory oversight of telecom equipment, ensuring that only high-quality and compliant devices are introduced into the market.