The federal government is preparing major telecom law reforms that would give operators wider powers to deploy infrastructure across Pakistan. The draft also proposes fines of up to Rs50 million for blocking telecom projects. It further reshapes the governance of the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC), according to documents reviewed by TechJuice.
The proposed changes aim to remove long-standing hurdles that have slowed fiber-optic expansion, telecom tower deployment, and early 5G preparations. Officials say the reforms target delays caused by regulatory and administrative bottlenecks.
Under the plan, telecom license holders will get stronger Right of Way (RoW) powers for infrastructure rollout. This includes fiber-optic networks, telecom towers, and next-generation 5G facilities. The framework is designed to speed up national connectivity projects.
A new Section 27A would override conflicting laws, contracts, and local by-laws. As a result, housing societies, cantonments, and commercial estates would not be able to block telecom projects. They would only influence execution timing and process.
If a public authority fails to respond within 30 days, approval will be considered granted automatically. The same deemed approval rule will apply to private housing societies and cantonment boards as well.
Deemed Approval and Enforcement Framework
The amendments also restrict authorities from charging fees, rent, or compensation for telecom access. Once approval is granted, it cannot be revoked or changed without due process. To enforce compliance, Section 27B introduces penalties of up to Rs50 million. These fines can be imposed on anyone delaying or obstructing infrastructure access. Disputes will be resolved within 45 days by a senior government-appointed officer.
In a parallel move, the government is also planning major structural reforms for the National Telecommunication Corporation. The changes aim to align it with the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Act, 2023.
The draft replaces references to the “Federal Government” with the “Prime Minister” in key performance matters. It also introduces a supremacy clause to ensure the SOE Act overrides conflicting rules.
The NTC Board will be restructured into a seven-member body led by an independent chairman. It will include senior officials and three private-sector experts, including at least one woman. The roles of Chairman and Managing Director will be separated to improve governance. The board will also gain greater control over operations and administration decisions.
NTC will be allowed to provide ICT services to federal and provincial bodies. Other state institutions may also be added through government approval. Transparency rules are also being strengthened under the new framework. NTC will be required to publish all key documents on its official website.
It will also be allowed to appoint internal or external auditors. These auditors will report directly to the board instead of the management.
A new Section 41A introduces strict eligibility rules for the managing director role. The federal government will select the candidate from a panel of three names. The panel will be recommended by a three-fourths majority of the NTC board. Candidates must hold advanced qualifications in telecom, ICT, or engineering fields.
They must also have at least five years of senior leadership experience. The MD role will be a three-year performance-based contract, extendable by two years.
However, the current managing director will continue until the end of the existing term. The reforms follow the Supreme Court’s Mustafa Impex ruling on executive authority structure.
