An opposition member of the National Assembly (MNA) has said that IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja should have the first telecom tower installed at her own house.
This would mark the launch of the Telecom Infrastructure bill.
The MNA raised the concern during a parliamentary session on legislation allowing telecom companies to install IT towers on private property.
The proposed law states that refusal to allow permission for the installation can result in a penalty of Rs5 crore.
The bill has not been approved yet by the Senate.
Now the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has stated that it would not support the recent telecom bill.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Senator Sherry Rehmad said, “PPP will not approve any legislation that is not thoroughly discussed in the Senate Standing Committee.”
According to the Senator, the bill was stopped by the PPP due to its ‘draconian clauses’. The PPP had urged removal of the clauses such as Section 27A.
Senator Sherry Rehman also said that the PPP is refusing to pass the bill because of encroachments on right of way.
She said that private property must be protected as a fundamental right.
Telecom Amendment Bill 2026 explained
The development comes after the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication 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.
It said that it would improve connectivity for citizens, and establish a transparent legal framework, while fully protecting private property rights.
The Ministry said that, particularly in view of the upcoming spectrum auction, increased investment in telecom infrastructure is important to ensure reliable, affordable, and high-speed connectivity across the country.
Read more: IT Ministry explains scope of Right of Way provisions in Telecom Amendment Bill 2026
