Review committee proposes review of controversial telecommunications bill provisions, defends property rights

A committee constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review the controversial Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has proposed sweeping changes in the legislation, ruling out any access or use of private property without the owner’s consent and calling for clearer wording in several provisions to remove ambiguity.

The development comes a week after the prime minister formed the committee following heavy criticism from both government allies and opposition lawmakers, who demanded thorough scrutiny of the bill and amendments to its controversial clauses.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice on Wednesday, the committee reviewing the right of way provisions of the bill submitted its interim report after conducting a detailed review of the proposed amendments and the existing legal framework governing the right of way.

Read more: PM forms committee to review contested telecom bill; directs the presentation of proposals according to priority

The committee concluded that the primary objective of the legislation was to improve digital connectivity across the country while safeguarding citizens’ rights, but noted that several provisions required further clarification.

“Certain provisions required further clarification to remove any ambiguity,” the statement said.

Addressing concerns related to private property, the report stated that landowner consent and a mutually agreed upon agreement would remain a fundamental requirement in all such matters.

“No action shall be taken involving access to or use of the land, building, property or assets of an individual or private legal entity without the consent of the owner and mutual agreement,” it added.

The committee recommended that the law clearly specify its applicability to land, buildings, properties and assets owned, managed or controlled by public institutions, as well as federal, provincial and local governments. It also proposed to explicitly extend the framework to regulated private housing schemes, cooperative housing societies and similar entities.

The report further recommended that definitions relating to private land, private property, private individuals, companies, cooperative societies and other forms of joint ownership be clearly incorporated into legislation to avoid misunderstandings.

Read also: PPP will not pass controversial telecom bill containing ‘draconian clauses’: Sherry Rehman

According to the press release, a clear distinction would be maintained between telecommunications infrastructure located above and below ground, right-of-way agreements and related equipment, with separate procedures prescribed for each category.

The committee also proposed a mechanism to resolve disputes involving licensed operators and public institutions, housing schemes, cooperative housing societies or similar entities. Under the proposal, such disputes would be referred to the relevant government, which would be required to decide the matter within 45 days in accordance with the law.

It further recommended that clear principles be established to guide the relevant government in assessing the need and appropriateness of any proposal, its implications for the public interest and the compensation payable.

The report says anyone affected by a relevant government decision should have the right to appeal to the Telecommunications Appellate Tribunal established under Section 7A of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganisation) Act 1996, with the tribunal’s decision being final.

The committee also recommended a review of the overriding clause to ensure consistency between the language and objectives of the law and to remove any ambiguity regarding citizens’ rights.

He further proposed to review the penalty prescribed in Section 27B(1) and align it with the broader objectives, structure and provisions of the legislation.

According to the Ministry of Law and Justice, the committee had reached a consensus on general principles, policy objectives and necessary amendments. A draft of the proposed changes to the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2026 would be finalized within a week and presented for further consideration and guidance.

The ministry said the government remains committed to promoting the growth of the telecommunications and information technology sectors, while ensuring full protection of the constitutional and legal rights of citizens.

He stressed that there would be no compromise on the principles of private property rights, owner consent, the right to object, legal safeguards and compensation.

The ministry added that the goal of the Right of Way reforms was to provide the public with better, more reliable and faster Internet services, without undermining the property right of any citizen.

The bill, which seeks changes to a 1996 law and was introduced by IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, was passed by the National Assembly on June 11 by a majority vote. Subsequently, it was postponed by the Permanent Commission on Informatics and Telecommunications of the Senate, where it was referred on June 15.

Doubts about the motives behind the bill had grown stronger, particularly due to pressure from the government to have it passed by both houses of parliament.

Following reservations raised by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on the bill, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), a key ally of the government, also withheld its support, with Senator Sherry Rehman categorically stating that her party would not allow any legislation related to the information technology sector, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority or the right of way to pass through the Senate unless it was thoroughly scrutinized and amended by the standing committee. corresponding.

The prime minister later constituted a committee to review the bill and tasked it with addressing concerns raised about some of its provisions. The committee was mandated to examine the right of way framework under sections 2 (qb), 2 (ma), 27A and 27B of the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganization (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunications had also clarified that the Right of Way Bill, 2026 would not allow forcible acquisition of private land or unauthorized entry into private properties of citizens. According to the ministry, landowners would retain the full right to raise objections, negotiate terms and demand appropriate compensation before carrying out any work on their land.