PTA calls media report 'baseless' - Says it has no plans to close thousands of call centres

By Subhankar Kundu @ Friday, June 20, 2008 8:12 AM

Section - Outsourcing/BPO

Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has denied press reports of a closure of 40,000 call centres in Pakistan.

The authority has reacted strongly, calling the reports 'baseless'. It has pointed out, rather convincingly, that closing 40,000 call centres would be impossible as only 516 are actually registered with the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB).

It has cleared the mist in a press release saying it has never issued any directive to close call centres, and saying it actually has plans to increase the number of call centres operating in Pakistan. There was a misunderstanding caused by PTA's request that operators should only allow a voice to legitimate stakeholders - LDI operators and call centres that are registered with PSEB in line with government rules and regulations.

PTA is consulting PSEB to implement its development strategy, aiming to lay down guidelines for all stakeholders to follow the rules and regulations. PTA hopes to provide the call centres with undisturbed communication to inspire the overall development of the call centre industry in Pakistan. X