The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday extended the stay against tax increase on incoming international calls till November 14.
The single bench comprising Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan passed the order on a petition filed by Brain Telecommunications.
Earlier, the Ministry of Information Technology, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and PTCL filed their replies. However, the court was informed that Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) had not filed the reply yet.
The court, directing CCP to file the reply, adjourned the matter till November 14 and extended the stay also.
The petitioner-company, in its petition, submitted that the recent tax increase was imposed by PTCL and others under International Clearing House Agreement (ICHA).
The counsel for the petitioner pointed out that the step was taken on a Ministry of Information Technology’s policy directive whereby PTA was asked to sign and implement ICHA.
The petitioner said that the PTA engaged PTCL and other stakeholders who signed the agreement.
He contended that the agreement was anti-competitive as it fix prices and develop quota system. He pleaded the court to set aside the notification as it violates many provisions of competitive law.
On last hearing, the court suspended notification for tax increase on incoming international calls and sought reply from respondents.