In a recent announcement, the Government of Punjab has heeded the persistent demand of telecom operators by appointing a dedicated focal person to address right-of-way (ROW) issues. The decision, outlined in a notification by the Board of Revenue Punjab’s administrative branch, designates Syed Najaf Iqbal as the focal person for the appropriate government forum.
This proactive step aligns with Section 27-A (6&7) of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganization) (Amendment) Act, 2005, signaling the government’s commitment to effectively resolve ROW disputes. Telecom operators have welcomed this development, emphasizing its potential to comprehensively address their longstanding challenges, especially in dealings within housing societies and private lands.
Despite the approval of the right-of-way policy, operators faced persistent issues, prompting the government’s intervention. Syed Najaf Iqbal’s appointment is expected to expedite dispute resolution, offering a clear path for addressing concerns related to charges and other matters between landowners and operators. The right-of-way policy mandates that disputes be referred to the “appropriate government” for resolution.
While other provinces and the federal government had previously nominated representatives for the “appropriate government” forum, Punjab’s delay had been a point of concern. With this recent appointment, telecom operators in Punjab now have a designated authority for timely dispute resolution, addressing a longstanding gap in the ROW policy framework.
Before this development, the Ministry of Information Technology had formed a committee under the Federal Secretary MOITT to address right-of-way disputes in the absence of an appropriate government forum.
