The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has explained the purpose and scope of the Right of Way (ROW) provisions included in the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The Ministry stated that these provisions will accelerate telecom infrastructure deployment, improving connectivity for citizens, and establishing a transparent legal framework, while fully safeguarding private property rights.
The Ministry said that, particularly in view of the upcoming spectrum auction, increased investment in telecom infrastructure is essential to ensure reliable, affordable, and high-speed connectivity across the country.
The Ministry clarified that the proposed provisions do not permit telecom operators to enter private property without the owner’s permission or due legal process, nor do they authorise compulsory acquisition of private land. It further stated that property owners will retain full rights to respond, negotiate terms, seek compensation where applicable, raise objections, and agree on matters such as route alignment, timing, and access. The “deemed appropriate” clause will not apply to individual citizens’ properties and is limited to collective private developments and public sector properties.
It was further stated that in cases where a property owner does not respond despite repeated reminders, the matter will be referred to the relevant government authority for consideration and resolution in accordance with the law. During this process, telecom operators will not be allowed to force entry onto private land while the matter remains under review, and no provision authorises compulsory acquisition of private property.
The Ministry also emphasised that, in any infrastructure laying activity, organisations are required to restore affected property to its original condition and ensure that no permanent damage is caused.
The Ministry stated that Pakistan’s internet and telecom services have been affected by underinvestment in infrastructure, largely due to a fragmented ROW approval process, arbitrary fees, and inconsistent requirements. These issues have slowed network expansion, increased deployment costs, and negatively impacted service quality.
To address these challenges, the proposed amendments introduce a clear and transparent legal framework covering public property, organised private developments such as housing societies, and individual private property, while safeguarding citizens’ rights.
The Ministry added that the provisions have already undergone a comprehensive legislative review by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, where members from multiple political parties examined the objectives, implementation mechanisms, and safeguards in detail.
At present, the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 is under consideration in the Senate Standing Committee on IT & Telecommunication after being passed by the National Assembly. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to a consultative and inclusive legislative process, ensuring transparency and protection of citizens’ rights.
It further stated that the ROW reforms are intended to support Pakistan’s digital transformation, attract investment in telecom infrastructure, and improve services for millions of users.
The Ministry concluded that the primary objective of the ROW framework is to eliminate unnecessary delays in telecom infrastructure deployment, enabling citizens to benefit from improved connectivity, better internet quality, and stronger nationwide digital networks.
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