Oversight committee to monitor 3G licence auction for transparency: PM

Prime Minister Ashraf constitutes oversight committee after reports of alleged kickbacks from hiring of consultants.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Monday constituted an oversight committee to monitor the billion dollar 3G licence auction, after reports of alleged kickbacks from hiring of consultants for supervising the auction.

The decision to establish the oversight committee, which will consist of media persons, civil society officials, National Accountability Bureau officials, technical experts and an economist, was finalised at a meeting of the 3G Auction Supervisory Committee held at the prime minister’s house

The new committee has been constituted despite a previously existing auction supervisory committee, working under Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh.

Ashraf said that the government’s aim is to introduce the latest technology in the country and named 3G technology to be a valuable asset which will boost Pakistan’s economy, encourage foreign investment and promote economic activity in the country.

People of repute, standing and impeccable integrity will be associated with the oversight committee to ensure transparency and due process at every cost, Ashraf said.

A presentation was given by a panel of international consultants through video conferencing from Canada, Australia and England. This was the first time that a video conferencing facility was utilized during a meeting at the prime minister’s house.

It is expected that 20,000 direct and indirect jobs will be created with the introduction of 3G in the telecom sector.