The government has sought to address concerns surrounding the Pakistan Telecommunication Organisation (Amendment) Bill, with Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stating that the proposed legislation will not permit telecom infrastructure deployment on private property without the consent of property owners. The minister made the remarks following an in camera meeting of a parliamentary committee established by the prime minister to review the bill after it faced resistance in the Senate despite having secured approval from the National Assembly earlier this month. Debate around the legislation has largely focused on right of way reforms and concerns that certain provisions could affect private property rights. The Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom had objected to clauses that could allow the installation of telecom towers in public spaces, including parks, green belts, and government buildings, leading lawmakers to seek additional clarification before moving forward.
Addressing these concerns, Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasized that no telecom related activity would take place on private premises without permission from owners and confirmed that a dedicated sub committee had been formed to examine objections raised during the parliamentary review process. According to the minister, consultations are ongoing to ensure that the legislation protects property rights while supporting the expansion of digital connectivity infrastructure across the country. He also stated that the government does not intend to occupy private land or install telecom towers without agreement from stakeholders. While describing the bill as non controversial, the minister acknowledged the need for additional clarifications and safeguards to be incorporated into the legislation. The review committee includes representatives from multiple government institutions and legal experts, including IT Minister Shaza Fatima, the IT Secretary, the Economic Affairs Minister, the Attorney General, MNA Javed Hanif, Barrister Zafarullah Khan, Dr Daud Munir, and Ms Bayyinah Shah. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman is also a member of the committee but was unable to attend the latest meeting.
The National Assembly passed the amendment bill on June 11, but it did not receive approval from the Senate after concerns were raised regarding the inclusion of telecom towers and related equipment within legislation primarily aimed at enhancing fibre network deployment. Senate committee members argued that the bill’s primary focus should remain on optical fibre infrastructure rather than broader telecom installations. Much of the discussion has centred on Section 27B, which proposes penalties of up to Rs50 million for individuals or entities that obstruct or delay the implementation of a lawfully granted right of way. Telecom industry stakeholders have argued that public attention has largely focused on this specific provision while overlooking the wider objective of creating a more efficient framework for deploying digital infrastructure. Industry representatives maintain that the reforms are intended to simplify deployment processes and reduce delays that often affect network expansion projects.
Telecom operators have also expressed support for the parliamentary review process and indicated that any concerns regarding private property rights can be addressed through legislative refinements. Telecom Operators Association Chairman Aamir Ibrahim stated that operators generally do not face difficulties finding private landowners willing to host telecom infrastructure through mutually agreed commercial arrangements. Instead, he noted that delays often arise from administrative procedures and approval requirements within housing societies, gated communities, and other jurisdictions. Ibrahim, who also serves as Jazz CEO, said the proposed amendments are designed to establish a more predictable framework for telecom infrastructure deployment, particularly for fibre networks that will support future digital services. PTCL and Ufone President and CEO Hatem Bamatraf also highlighted the importance of right of way reforms, describing them as a means of improving transparency, reducing administrative bottlenecks, strengthening coordination among stakeholders, and accelerating fibre network expansion. Meanwhile, the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has reiterated that property owners will continue to have the right to raise objections, negotiate terms, and seek appropriate compensation before any work is carried out on their land, reinforcing the government’s position that connectivity goals and property rights can be addressed together through an appropriate regulatory framework.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
