ISLAMABAD, Jun 01 (APP): President Dr Arif Alvi has directed the Shalimar Recording and Broadcasting Company (SRBC) to pay outstanding dues of Rs 10.32 million to a company in lieu of security services, which SRBC had regretted to pay due to financial crunch.

The president further directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to ensure payment of outstanding dues in monthly instalments within one year and, if necessary, seek approval of the competent forum within six months.

He gave these directions while rejecting a representation filed by SRBC against the decision of the Wafaqi Mohtasib (WM) that directed it to pay Rs 10,320,800 to a security company (the complainant company) on account of security services received from it, a President House press release said.

The SRBC had admitted the outstanding dues but had expressed its inability to pay the outstanding amount, even in easy instalments, due to financial constraints faced by it since 2020.

Feeling aggrieved, the security company approached the Wafaqi Mohtasib, which passed the orders in its favour. SRBC, then, filed a representation with the president, which was rejected.

In his decision, the president said that it was strange that SRBC had adopted the stance before the president that it did not fall under the definition of “the Agency”, which as per president’s order No. 1 of 1983 meant a Ministry, Division, Department, Commission or office of the Federal Government or a statutory corporation or other institution established or controlled by the Federal Government.

He observed that SRBC was a public sector company, established under the Companies Act, 2017, and administratively controlled by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting under the Rules of Business, 1973.

President Alvi stated that SRBC had failed to pay out its liabilities, which it had already admitted, and it had simply refused to pay the amount, which was tantamount to maladministration under Article 2 of the President’s Order No. 1 of 1983.

He said that the findings of the WM were well-reasoned and rational and SRBC had failed to produce anything on record in support of its stance.

The president said that since maladministration was established on the part of SRBC, it was directed to pay the outstanding dues as per Wafaqi Mohtasib’s orders.

He added that Secretary MOIB should ensure to make the payment and, if necessary, seek approval of the competent forum within six months.

ISLAMABAD, Jun 1 (APP):Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Syed Amin Ul Haque on Thursday said that World now acknowledging Pakistani youth expertise in Information Technology and Telecom sector.

“Pakistan’s skilled IT experts, time zone, and fluent English speaking with excellent accents have unique importance in Digital World.

The World is now openly acknowledging the expertise of Pakistani youth in information technology “The minister expressed these views during meetings with different International delegations on the sidelines of GITEX Africa Digital Summit, and the Global tech exhibition being held in Morocco from May 31 to June 2.

The meetings discussed global challenges including revolutionary initiatives in the IT & Telecom sector by the Government of Pakistan said a news release received here.

The Minister also held an important meeting with Secretary General Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), Ms. Deemah Al-Yahya. During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral issues and measure to enhance digital cooperation between the member states of DCO.

Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Saeed Al-Gerghavi also met with IT Minister Syed Amin Ul Haque and discussed investment opportunities in IT and telecom sector in Pakistan.

Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos, Nigeria, also called on Federal Minister for IT Syed Amin Ul Haque.