The Prime Minister said the deregulation and privatisation of telecom sector was in line with the government reform policy, initiated by President Musharraf.
The deregulation of PTA is a success story, which has helped effectively in regulation of telecom traffic and generating revenue, he said.
Shaukat Aziz said the political stability, economic growth and emergence of large middle class have necessitated the growth of telecom business and PTA must leverage all available opportunities.
He said that during his meeting with Australian Prime Minister at the World Economic Forum, the Australian government agreed to invest one billion dollars in Pakistan for expanding the operation of Telenor.
The Prime Minister directed PTA to ensure full transparency in awarding licenses to telecom operators.
He called for institutionalising the legislation and implementing zero tolerance for violation Aziz appreciated the PTAs endeavours for auctioning two cellular licenses for $ 291 million each, which has played a major role in bringing FDI.
He proposed that the scope of private sector telecom operators be expanded to Azad Kashmir and the Northern Areas for the benefit of the people.
Chairman PTA, Major General Shahzada Alam (Retd) said the Authority has up till now awarded 12 LDI, 76 LL and 92 WLL, new licenses in 2004 and has embarked on an ambitious expansion programme, which will bring revolution in the telecom sector.