The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has announced a major policy shift aimed at accelerating Pakistan’s broadband growth by waiving Right of Way (ROW) charges for the development and installation of IT and IT-related infrastructure, including fiberization projects. The decision follows the directive of the Prime Minister dated July 14, 2025, and was approved in the CDA’s 14th Board Meeting for the year, held on July 30, 2025. The official notification, issued on August 13 by the Regional Planning Directorate, confirms that the removal of ROW charges applies to all relevant IT infrastructure development within Islamabad’s jurisdiction.
The move addresses one of the key bottlenecks in Pakistan’s digital infrastructure expansion. ROW charges, which are fees for the legal right to install cables, ducts, and other utilities through public land, have often been cited by telecom operators and internet service providers as a significant cost burden. By eliminating these charges, CDA aims to create a more favorable environment for the rapid deployment of high-speed broadband networks. The decision is expected to directly benefit projects involving large-scale fiber rollout, 5G backhaul readiness, and other advanced telecommunications infrastructure, helping bridge connectivity gaps in the capital and beyond.
CDA’s notification emphasizes that the decision aligns with the government’s vision to expand affordable and reliable internet access to all citizens. With ROW fees removed, operators will be better positioned to invest in network upgrades and coverage expansion without the additional financial barrier. This is particularly significant for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployments, which require extensive ground work and civil engineering. Industry experts believe the policy change could reduce deployment timelines and costs substantially, leading to faster service availability in underserved areas.
Stakeholders have welcomed the initiative as a potential game-changer for Pakistan’s broadband landscape. Affordable, high-quality internet access has become a key enabler for economic growth, education, and digital services. Removing ROW charges aligns with broader national digital transformation goals, which include increasing broadband penetration, supporting e-governance, and enabling emerging sectors such as cloud computing, IoT, and AI-powered applications. The availability of a dedicated online portal for ROW requests and coordination, which is already in place, is expected to further streamline the process for operators and ensure transparency in project execution.
According to the notification, the decision has been circulated across various CDA departments and key officials, including the Director General of Resource, Urban Planning, Spatial Planning, and Design, as well as members overseeing engineering, estate, and environmental functions. This indicates an integrated approach, ensuring that ROW policy reforms are implemented smoothly across administrative and operational levels. With the capital leading the way, there is anticipation that similar measures could be adopted by other federal and provincial authorities, creating a unified framework for ROW policies across Pakistan.
As Pakistan celebrates its Independence Day, the timing of this policy change adds symbolic weight to its significance. The removal of ROW charges is being seen as a step toward greater digital independence and empowerment, enabling both public and private sector stakeholders to contribute to a more connected future. With federal entities expected to follow suit, the stage is set for a new phase in Pakistan’s broadband journey — one that emphasizes accessibility, affordability, and nationwide digital inclusion.
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