The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) consumer protection directorate has ordered cellular mobile operators to immediately stop all kinds of chat packages including voice and sms at any time of the day.

A statement titled ‘Directive relating to CMTOs (Cellular Mobile Telephone Operators) contrary to moral values of society”, of the PTA said a comprehensive survey had been launched by the PTA zonal offices and services division to verify implementation of a directive it had issued on November 14, 2012. The survey revealed that the chat packages are still in operation under different names. It noted the violation of the directive with concern.

Keeping this in mind all cellular mobile operators are directed to stop all kinds of packages voice and sms irrespective of the time of day and submit compliance by September 2, 2013 positively.

Initially the PTA had banned night packages last year but the mobile phone operators went to the Islamabad high court to oppose it. A news report said that the petition was withdrawn after the PTA submitted transcripts of conversations with “obscene” content. A case is also pending in the Supreme Court. The industry has reacted with dismay at the latest order.