The provincial government’s failure to select representatives to settle right-of-way conflicts had an impact on investment in the telecom sector.
As a result of the provincial governments’ failure to designate representatives to settle right-of-way conflicts, the telecom industry’s troubles grew worse.
According to sources in the telecom sector, despite the passing of 17 years, no administration other than the KP government has been able to select a representative to handle the right-of-way issues, which raises concerns about how investment in the telecom sector will be impacted.
The telecom sector claims that the “relevant government” will settle any disputes between the land owner and licensee about the right of way under clause 27(A) of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Act 2005. All provincial governments are subject to the Telecom Act of 2005. The Act has also been ratified by the governments of GB and Azad Kashmir under various rules.
Later, the Right of Way Policy addressed this issue as well. According to this policy, if there is a disagreement between the landowner and the operator over fees or any other subject, the case will be brought to the “relevant authorities.”
In accordance with the Telecom Act of 2005 and the Right of Way Policy, the federal and all provincial governments are required to select an officer, who must have at least the rank of secretary. Only the Federal and KP governments have chosen candidates for “Appropriate Government” after 17 years had passed.
In a recent development, NAYA Tel addressed a letter to the Punjab government requesting the designation of a representative for “Appropriate Government” to settle Right of Way conflicts between telecom companies and provincial government agencies. The Nayatel officer said to ProPakistani that right-of-way disputes often emerge between government agencies and private landowners, and that the relevant government should be the first place where these disputes are resolved.
These disagreements are not addressed as a result of the provincial government’s failure to nominate representatives, which delays the installation and commissioning of the infrastructure. This delay has a significant impact on telecom carriers’ expansion plans, the official continued.
When contacted, a representative from the Ministry of IT stated that after sending many letters to the provincial administration over this, no response had been received. Additionally, the ministry reminded all provincial governments in September of this year, but nothing changed.
