The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has clarified the purpose of Right of Way (ROW) provisions included in the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The ministry said the aim is to speed up telecom infrastructure development while protecting property rights and ensuring a clear legal process.
According to the ministry, the ROW provisions are designed to improve connectivity across the country. They also aim to support the faster rollout of telecom networks after the upcoming spectrum auction. Officials said better infrastructure is necessary to deliver reliable, affordable, and high-speed internet services.
The ministry stressed that the bill does not allow telecom operators to enter private property without permission. It also does not permit any form of forced land acquisition. Instead, property owners will remain fully protected under the law.
Under the proposed framework, property owners can negotiate terms with telecom companies. They can also raise objections, seek compensation where applicable, and decide on route alignment and access timing. However, if an owner does not respond even after reminders, the matter will be sent to the relevant government authority for legal review.
During this process, telecom operators cannot enter private land while the issue remains unresolved. The ministry further clarified that no clause in the bill allows compulsory acquisition of private property.
The ministry also explained the issue of fines mentioned in the bill. These penalties apply only in cases where a property owner has already signed a contract and later breaks the agreed terms. Officials said such situations can negatively impact investment in the sector.
In addition, companies working on telecom infrastructure must restore any property after work is completed. They are required to ensure that no permanent damage is left behind.
The ministry highlighted that Pakistan’s internet services have suffered due to weak infrastructure investment. It said the fragmented ROW approval system has created delays and raised costs for telecom operators.
Moreover, inconsistent rules and varying fees across regions have slowed down network expansion. This has also affected service quality for users across the country.
To address these issues, the proposed amendments introduce a unified and transparent legal structure. This structure will cover public land, housing societies, and private property while still protecting citizens’ rights.
The ministry said the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication reviewed the provisions. Members from different political parties examined the bill in detail. They reviewed its goals, execution plan, and safeguards for property owners.
Currently, the bill is under discussion in the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication. The National Assembly has already passed it. The ministry said it supports a transparent and inclusive legislative process.
