Senate IT Committee stops Telecom Bill review after concerns over private property rights

Senate committee stopped further review of a major telecom amendment bill after lawmakers raised serious concerns

Islamabad: A Senate committee stopped further review of a major telecom amendment bill after lawmakers raised serious concerns that some parts of the proposed law could create confusion regarding private property rights, land access, telecom tower placement, and fibre cable installation. The Ministry of IT rejected the fear of forced occupation, but the committee decided that the bill needs more careful review before moving forward.

The most sensitive issue in the meeting was whether any person could be forced to allow telecom infrastructure on private land. Senators questioned the bill’s language and said no citizen should be pressured to allow fibre cables, telecom towers or other equipment on their property without clear legal protection, proper agreement and a fair dispute settlement process.

Members of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication also raised questions about the powers of the “appropriate government” mentioned in the bill. They said unclear powers and discretionary language could create problems during implementation and may affect ordinary property owners.

The committee also questioned the penalties linked with denial of right of way. Right of way means permission to use land, roads or property for laying telecom cables or installing infrastructure. Senators said this issue must be handled carefully because it directly affects citizens, landowners and businesses.

Officials from the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication told the committee that the bill does not allow forced acquisition or occupation of private property. They said telecom infrastructure would be installed only through mutual agreements, legal procedures and proper dispute resolution mechanisms.

The ministry also assured the committee that private ownership rights would remain protected. Officials said any wording that creates confusion would be reviewed and improved so that citizens’ rights are not harmed.

The committee was informed that the proposed amendments are aimed at improving Pakistan’s telecom system, expanding internet infrastructure and making fibre deployment easier across the country. Officials said the reforms would help increase digital connectivity and improve coordination between federal and provincial authorities.

The bill also includes changes related to institutional reforms, operational efficiency, transparency and dispute resolution in the telecom sector. Officials said the purpose is to make the regulatory system stronger and support faster internet expansion in Pakistan.

However, senators made it clear that internet expansion should not come at the cost of private property rights. They stressed that development of telecom infrastructure must follow law, fairness and transparency.

The committee also discussed governance and restructuring matters under the proposed law. Members said appointments, transitional arrangements and delegated powers must be transparent and time bound so that no authority can misuse the process.

The meeting was chaired by Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan and attended by senators, senior officials of the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, representatives of relevant departments and other stakeholders.

After detailed discussion, the committee deferred further consideration of the Pakistan Telecommunication Re organization Amendment Bill. The committee decided that the bill would be reviewed clause by clause in the next meeting before any final decision is made.