News
Closure of telegram offices renders 10,000 officials surplus
DERA GHAZI KHAN, Jan 08 : The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) withdrew telegram and telex facilities throughout the country, rendering 10,000 officials surplus.
An inter-office memo issued by the PTCL chief engineer, Islamabad, said the PTCL management had closed down exchanges located in Karachi and Islamabad. It further said the PTCL was facing problems in getting equipment and technical support from telex equipment manufacturers as they had shifted their focus to new technologies/services. In these circumstances, the PTCL was not in a position to provide uninterrupted telex and telegram services to the subscribers, the letter added.
It said the telegram and telex had lost its importance as the people preferred SMS, DSL and email. It said about 10,000 surplus officials would be used in other areas where necessary.
It was the cheapest and cost effective way to convey and communicate messages as the PTCL charged only 23 paisa per word. The subscribers have demanded the officials to restore the services in the larger interest of the people.
The telegram and telex offices have been closed down in cities. However, telegraph offices in towns continued their work and they provided facility of international, national telephone calls and fax.
Sources said the decision was taken in the backdrop of drastic technological advancements in the telecom sector. They said the PTCL was striving to provide latest telecom services to its customers in place of the older ones.
Meanwhile, the closure will affect courts, which depend upon telegraphic system for sending summons, warrants and quick judgments. The Islamic Ideology Council also uses the same facility to convey messages regarding acceptance or rejection of clemency appeals.