ISLAMABAD (APP): Minister of State for Information Technology Anusha Rehman Khan on Tuesday informed the Senate that the government was in the process to privatize Telephone Industries of Pakistan (TIP) and warned that strict action would be taken against corrupt mafia.
Responding to a Calling Attention Notice raised by Samina Abid regarding job security of teachers and employees of Colony Boards and T & T Harripur, she said efforts were being to protect the interest of regular employees. However, she said no one would be allowed to blackmail the government.
The Minister said that the TIP was set up in 1953 for manufacturing and technical work and around 306 acres of land was acquired for this purpose.
The minister said after privatization of Pakistan Telecommunication and separation of NRTC, the land was divided among these three institutions.
She said that some employees managed to get stay order from court and utilities bills including electricity and gas of the employees’ houses were being paid from federal consolidated fund.
She said that a private housing scheme was also developed and its utilities bills were also being paid from the national exchequer which was totally illegal.
Anusha said a case has been sent to National Accountability Bureaus three weeks ago in this regard. She said negotiation was also underway with PTCL and NRTC to run the schools.
Earlier, Senator Samina apprised the House that the TIP employees were not getting their salaries and they were also being threatened to lay off from the service.
She said that the interests of employees should be protected before privatizing TIP.