Deployment of high-speed internet and 5G in Pakistan is facing a legislative roadblock as the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology reviewed the Pakistan Telecommunication Re-organisation Amendment Bill 2026. The discussion centered on the crucial role of fiberization in enabling reliable internet and next-generation connectivity, and the legal and property concerns that are slowing progress. Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima noted that infrastructure development is often blocked by property owners, and emphasized the government’s push to amend Right of Way regulations to remove these obstacles.
Shaza Fatima highlighted that fiberization is essential for Pakistan’s digital ecosystem and the rollout of 5G services. She pointed out that 98% of internet users in Pakistan access broadband through mobile devices, underlining the need for a robust fiber backbone. To address delays, the government has issued notifications in all provinces abolishing Right of Way charges. The Amendment Bill 2026 includes clauses requiring licensees to restore any site to its original condition after completing work, a measure intended to safeguard citizens’ interests while accelerating infrastructure deployment.
However, opposition members raised concerns about potential overreach. Committee member Sharmila Faruqui questioned whether the proposed amendments could override environmental and heritage laws, warning that critical protections could be bypassed under the new framework. She also criticized provisions affecting property owners, noting that if an owner does not respond within 21 days, work could proceed automatically. Faruqui stressed that speed should not come at the cost of constitutional rights, and that property owners must retain the right to proper notice and hearings.
Law Ministry officials clarified that the bill is a Special Law, which allows specific provisions like Right of Way to be embedded directly into legislation. Despite these explanations, a deadlock remains between the government and opposition. While authorities view the removal of legal hurdles as essential for digital progress, critics warn that bypassing safeguards could undermine property and environmental protections. Until consensus is reached, Pakistan’s transition to high-speed 5G internet and widespread fiber connectivity remains uncertain.
The debate over the Amendment Bill 2026 reflects the broader tension between rapid technological development and legal protections, highlighting challenges in implementing infrastructure projects while respecting citizen rights and environmental standards. How the National Assembly resolves these issues will play a defining role in shaping the country’s digital connectivity and readiness for next-generation services.
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