The three days International Training Program (ITP) organized by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) in collaboration with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) concluded in Islamabad today.

The program, which ran from 20-22 July, 2016 featured several sessions with national and international speakers.

These sessions focused on new ways and means to address issues and challenges popping up in the ICT sector of the Member States.

Representatives from several countries from Asia Pacific Region including Bhutan, Bangladesh, China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Maldives, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Samoa, Salomon Island, Timor Leste, Vietnam participated in the event.

During three days, Director Generals of PTA and senior officials of the telecom operators conducted training sessions on different topics such as biometric verification of SIM users data, spectrum management and auction in Pakistan, competition issues in telecom market, online child protection, broadband for networked society, digital financial inclusion and mobile apps, cyber security, consumer protection & quality of Service, OTT players and ICTs for persons with disabilities & women empowerment.

The training covered principles, practices and recommendations which are expected to assist regulators in the Asia-Pacific region in addressing the telecommunication/ICT regulatory challenges.

Mr. Sameer Sharma , Senior Advisor ITU Regional Office for Asia-Pacific said that deliberations through such conferences are helpful in providing international experiences with a focus on current issues and challenges in ICT sector.

He said these events have been able to showcase the achievements of Pakistan telecom sector. He appreciated Government of Pakistan for doubling its contribution to ITU. He also thanked PTA for making excellent arrangements for the events.

On this occasion, Chairman PTA Syed Ismail Shah said that this conference was very helpful in highlighting the policy and regulatory issues in the region. He said PTA will continue to host such events in future also to have fruitful discussions.

Participants from various countries including Nepal, China, India and Papua New Guinea appreciated hospitality extended to them by the host country.