Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has issued a notice to Board of Management of Quaid-E-Azam Industrial Estate in Lahore for reportedly obstructing maintenance work on critical fiber networks. Telecom operators have claimed that the estate management has pressured companies to pay a self-imposed Right of Way fee, despite government directives abolishing such charges. Licensed operators have reportedly been denied access to conduct essential repairs, which are vital for ensuring uninterrupted internet and communication services for businesses operating within the industrial estate.
According to a notice dated March 1, 2026, PTA highlighted that preventing licensed operators from performing maintenance constitutes interference with legally deployed infrastructure and may result in legal action under Pakistan Telecommunication Re-organization Act 1996. Cases of non-compliance could also be referred to Federal Investigation Agency for investigation and further proceedings. Internal records from the industrial estate indicate that six companies, including WorldCall Limited, Transworld Enterprises, and Mobilink, are authorized to perform maintenance, while fourteen others such as Nayatel, Zong CM Pak Limited, and Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited have reportedly been denied access due to alleged outstanding dues. Operators have warned that selective restrictions, along with blocked repairs, may result in service disruptions across the estate.
PTA has emphasized the importance of coordination among all stakeholders and has called for a joint meeting with industrial estate management and affected telecom companies to establish a transparent and permanent mechanism to allow fiber network maintenance. The regulator further stated that any unlicensed activity should be reported immediately, and continued obstruction could affect the smooth functioning of internet services in the estate. The notice reflects PTA’s efforts to safeguard Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure and to ensure that operational challenges within industrial zones do not impact the broader communication network.
Reliable internet connectivity remains a crucial requirement for industrial operations, and telecom operators have highlighted that obstruction of maintenance work could have broader implications for service continuity. PTA continues to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that operators comply with government regulations and that businesses can access uninterrupted communication services. The warning issued to Quaid-E-Azam Industrial Estate underscores the regulator’s commitment to protecting infrastructure while fostering cooperation among industry stakeholders to maintain the quality and reliability of Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
