ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has clarified that the Right of Way (ROW) provisions included in the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, are intended to accelerate telecom infrastructure development and improve internet connectivity while fully safeguarding private property rights.
In a press release, the Information Technology Ministry said that Right of Way (ROW) provisions are “designed to accelerate telecom infrastructure deployment, improve connectivity for citizens, and establish a transparent legal framework while fully safeguarding private property rights.”
“Especially considering the spectrum auction, it is imperative to have investment in infrastructure to ensure reliable, affordable, high-speed connectivity for our people,” it stated.
The ministry confirmed that these provisions do not permit telecom operators to enter individual private property without the owner’s permission or due legal process, and do not authorise compulsory acquisition of private land.
It added that property owners retain the right to respond, negotiate terms, seek compensation where applicable, raise objections, and agree on matters such as route alignment, timing, and access.
The “deemed appropriate clause” also does not apply to individual citizens’ properties and is only applicable to collective private properties and the public sector, the press release noted.
It further stated that where a property owner does not respond despite repeated reminders, the “matter will be referred to the relevant government authority for consideration and resolution in accordance with the law, upholding the constitutional and legal rights of private citizens”.
“During this process, telecom operators cannot force entry onto private land while the matter remains under review. The proposed amendments also do not authorize compulsory acquisition of private property,” the ministry clarified.
According to the ministry, the telecom bill also specified that in case of any infrastructure laying, the organizations doing so are mandated to return the property to its original shape and ensure no permanent damage to the property is caused.
The Ministry said the reforms are aimed at addressing long-standing challenges that have hindered telecom infrastructure expansion, including fragmented approval processes, inconsistent regulations, and arbitrary fees, which have increased deployment costs and affected service quality across the country.
“Internet services in Pakistan have faced severe issues because of a lack of investment in telecom infrastructure, which is due to the fragmented ROW approval process, coupled with arbitrary fees and inconsistent requirements, has significantly slowed telecom network expansion, increased deployment costs, and negatively affected service quality for consumers.”
“To address these challenges hindering fiberisation and investment in telecom infrastructure, the proposed amendments establish a clear and transparent legal framework covering public property, organized private developments such as housing societies, and individual private property, whilst safeguarding citizens’ rights,” the press release added.
The ministry further said that the proposed provisions have already been vetted through a comprehensive legislative process, which was conducted by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication.
“Members from multiple political parties extensively reviewed the objectives, scope, implementation mechanisms, and safeguards relating to citizens and property owners. The provisions were finalized based on results from legislative scrutiny and were subject to detailed deliberations.”
At present, the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 is under deliberation in the Senate Standing Committee on IT & Telecommunication after being passed by the National Assembly, it said.
The Ministry of IT & Telecom reiterates that it supports a consultative and inclusive legislative process, whilst ensuring transparency and the protection of citizens’ rights. The proposed ROW reforms represent an important step towards supporting Pakistan’s digital transformation, attracting investment in telecommunications infrastructure, and improving services for millions of Pakistanis.
The Ministry emphasizes that the primary objective of the ROW framework is to remove unnecessary delays in the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure, enabling citizens to benefit from improved telecom services, enhanced internet quality, and stronger nationwide digital connectivity.
