ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication on Saturday clarified that the Right of Way (ROW) provisions in the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill 2026 do not permit telecom operators to enter individual private property without the owner’s permission or due legal process, and do not authorise the compulsory acquisition of private land.
In a statement issued here, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication detailed the purpose and scope of the Right of Way (ROW) provisions contained in the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill 2026, emphasising that these provisions are designed to accelerate telecom infrastructure deployment, improve connectivity for citizens, and establish a transparent legal framework while fully safeguarding private property rights. The ministry said that particularly in view of the upcoming spectrum auction, investment in infrastructure is imperative to ensure affordable, high-speed connectivity for the people of Pakistan.
The ministry confirmed that the Right of Way (ROW) provisions in the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill 2026 do not permit telecom operators to enter individual private property without the owner’s permission or due legal process, and do not authorise the compulsory acquisition of private land. 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. Where a property owner does not respond despite reminders, the matter will be referred to the appropriate government for consideration and resolution in accordance with the law, while upholding the constitutional and legal rights of private citizens. The proposed amendments also do not authorise the compulsory acquisition of private property.
In addition, any fines mentioned apply only to property owners who have already entered into a contract and later break its terms. Such actions can seriously undermine investment. In cases involving infrastructure deployment, the organisations undertaking the work are required to restore the property to its original condition and ensure that no permanent damage is caused.
Internet services in Pakistan have faced severe challenges due to a lack of investment in telecom infrastructure. 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, which are hindering fibre deployment and investment in telecom infrastructure, the proposed amendments establish a clear and transparent legal framework covering public property, organised private developments such as housing societies and individual private property, while safeguarding citizens’ rights.
The proposed provisions have already been vetted through a comprehensive legislative process conducted by the National Assembly’s 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 finalised following legislative scrutiny and were subject to detailed deliberations.
At present, the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill 2026 is under consideration by the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication after being passed by the National Assembly. The Ministry of IT and Telecom reiterated that it supports a consultative and inclusive legislative process while ensuring transparency and the protection of citizens’ rights.
It claimed 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 emphasized 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.
