Pakistan has taken a decisive step toward its long-envisioned National Fibrization Plan with the removal of Right of Way (RoW) charges for IT infrastructure development and fiber deployment. Following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, both the National Highway Authority (NHA) and Pakistan Railways have issued official notifications eliminating RoW charges, a move that follows the earlier landmark decision by the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The coordinated policy shift clears a long-standing barrier that had slowed the progress of broadband expansion and now opens the door for faster, more affordable digital connectivity across the country.
The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication views this as a historic achievement that directly aligns with the government’s vision of building a digitally inclusive Pakistan. Removal of RoW charges is expected to significantly reduce deployment costs for telecom operators and infrastructure providers, accelerating fiber penetration not only in metropolitan centers but also in rural and underserved regions. As each additional kilometer of fiber optic cable is laid, millions more citizens gain access to faster internet, creating equal opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to participate in the global digital economy. For the education sector in particular, this transformation means increased access to online learning platforms and digital classrooms, bridging the gap between urban and remote communities.
The benefits of fibrization extend far beyond connectivity alone. With reduced costs and streamlined approvals, Pakistan’s technology ecosystem is set to witness increased innovation and entrepreneurship. Startups and enterprises dependent on reliable internet will be empowered, while the broader economy stands to gain from improved productivity across non-IT sectors that increasingly rely on digital tools. The government also anticipates stronger growth in IT exports as the industry gains a more robust infrastructure backbone, helping Pakistan move toward its ambitious digital economy targets. The role of institutions such as PTA and the Special Investment Facilitation Council has been critical in enabling this policy transition, ensuring that the regulatory and investment frameworks remain aligned with the Prime Minister’s directives.
Acknowledgment has also been extended to Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi for their leadership in driving the change. Their ministries’ commitment to enabling affordable digital access has played a key role in realizing this milestone. With NHA and Pakistan Railways now joining CDA in eliminating RoW charges, the fibrization plan stands on a much firmer foundation. Each notification issued this week represents more than a policy shift—it is a step toward building an inclusive, connected, and digitally powered Pakistan. The government believes that this momentum will continue until high-speed, low-cost internet is accessible to every citizen, fueling innovation, trade, and social development nationwide.
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