I APPLIED for a PTCL landline in August 2015 when I shifted my residence to Block-F in North Nazimabad. After a few days I started getting calls from PTCL Islamabad and the Karachi offices stating that I had applied for two PTCL connections.

I repeatedly told the PTCL officials that I had only applied for one connection and that they had offered me two numbers which were 0213-664 2422 and 0213-664 2423. I chose 0213-664 2422. I got the connection after 10 days or so. I was shocked when I received the first bill for two telephone numbers 0213-664 2423 and 0213-664 2422.

My first thought was that the PTCL had made a mistake and I complained verbally on the telephone on which they assured me that the matter would be sorted out. The PTCL then sent me the bill for the second month on which I wrote a letter to the OSS North Nazimabad telling them yet again that I had only asked for and was using one connection and that other phone was not being used by me and the PTCL should correct its mistake.

In reply to my letter I received a Defaulter Notice on Nov 19 from PTCL stating that it would disconnect my other number also if I did not pay the bill for 3664 2423. They gave me till Dec 7 to clear the dues on a connection that was never installed at my home.

On Nov 26, the PTCL disconnected 3664-2422 against which there are no dues. When this number is dialled, a recorded message states that the line has been disconnected due to non-payment. Despite the fact that the due date is Dec 4 and all dues are paid, why was the number disconnected? Will the higher authorities please help?

Zeeshan Jaffri

Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 2nd, 2015