Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a high-level committee to review the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganization Amendment Bill before its further legislative progress. The move reflects the government’s intention to address concerns surrounding telecom infrastructure development and right-of-way regulations across the country.
The committee will be headed by Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar. Other members include Senator Sherry Rehman, Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima, and senior government official Ahsan Iqbal’s policy associate Ahad Khan Cheema. The Attorney General for Pakistan, Mansoor Awan, along with legal and IT experts, will also contribute to the review process.
According to official directives, the committee will specifically examine Section 2 of the proposed legislation, which deals with the Right of Way (RoW) framework. This framework is considered essential for expanding telecommunications infrastructure, including optical fiber networks and mobile communication towers.
The review will focus on balancing the needs of telecom operators with the rights of property owners and public institutions. The committee has been tasked with presenting recommendations regarding telecom installations and the use of private land for network expansion projects.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the committee to complete its review promptly and submit practical recommendations. The government believes that improved telecom infrastructure is critical for digital transformation, economic growth, and enhanced connectivity throughout Pakistan.
The National Assembly has already approved the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganization Amendment Bill. Following its approval in the lower house, the proposed legislation is expected to be presented before the Senate for further consideration and debate.
One of the most discussed provisions of the bill states that private property owners and public institutions may be required to facilitate telecom infrastructure projects.
