The government has initiated a review of legal provisions governing Right of Way for telecommunication infrastructure, with a committee examining proposed amendments under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganization) Amendment Bill 2026. The review aims to address legal ambiguities and establish a clear and workable mechanism for the use of Right of Way while ensuring that the expansion of telecom infrastructure does not conflict with the property rights of citizens.
A committee reviewing the proposed legislation has emphasized the need for an effective legal framework covering the installation and operation of telecommunication infrastructure across public, common development and private properties. During a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, members examined existing laws as well as proposed amendments related to Right of Way. The discussion focused on finding an appropriate balance between the requirements of telecom infrastructure and the rights of private property owners. According to the committee, digital connectivity can continue to expand while maintaining safeguards for property owners and other stakeholders affected by telecom infrastructure deployment. The review also considered the respective jurisdictions of federal, provincial and local authorities, particularly in cases involving different categories of property. These issues are considered important because telecom infrastructure can require access to land and property controlled by different authorities, creating legal and administrative questions around permissions, installation and continued use.
Another key area discussed during the meeting was the process for obtaining written consent from property owners when telecommunication infrastructure is to be installed on private property. The committee reviewed matters relating to consent, compensation and other legal requirements associated with Right of Way. The discussions also covered the responsibilities of telecom companies and property owners, including requirements concerning the protection, maintenance and restoration of properties after the installation of telecom infrastructure. Establishing clearer responsibilities could help define how telecom operators should manage sites and property affected by infrastructure deployment while also outlining the obligations of property owners. The committee also considered a proposal to bring new and emerging technologies within the legal framework through suitable rules and regulations. This aspect reflects the need for the proposed legislation to address evolving forms of telecommunications infrastructure and technologies that may not be adequately covered under existing provisions.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has been directed to identify and address potential legal and practical issues in the proposed legislation. Following the review, it was decided that the ministry will finalize the proposed legislation and present it before the committee for further consideration. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima attended the meeting along with senior officials from the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication. The committee’s review places particular focus on creating a legal structure that can accommodate telecom infrastructure requirements while protecting the rights and interests of property owners. The proposed changes are intended to provide greater clarity around the use of Right of Way, including permissions, compensation, responsibilities and jurisdiction, while establishing provisions that can account for new and emerging technologies. The outcome of the legislative process will determine how these requirements are incorporated into the legal framework governing telecommunication infrastructure in Pakistan.
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