Azam Nazeer Tarar denies that the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganization (Amendment) Bill proposes unauthorized telecom infrastructure deployment on private properties without owner consent. A specialized review committee has been established to address Senate objections concerning disputed right-of-way provisions in the legislation.
Senate Review and Legislative Clarifications
Following objections from the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom regarding provisions allowing free installation of telecom towers in public areas including green belts and government buildings, the law minister emphasized that private property rights remain protected. The inter-ministerial committee chaired by Tarar includes representatives from multiple ministries and technical experts examining compliance frameworks. Pipeline revisions aim to refine the bill’s controversial Sections 27B while maintaining digital development commitments.
Industry Perspectives on Regulatory Framework
Telecom stakeholders acknowledge ongoing legislative scrutiny but maintain proposals balance infrastructure expansion with property protections. Aamir Ibrahim of Telecom Operators Association highlighted existing commercial agreements facilitating infrastructure deployment while identifying administrative delays as greater operational barriers. PTCL/Ufone’s Hatem Bamatraf emphasizes reforms focus on fiber network expansion to support digital economic growth through streamlined coordination and reduced bureaucratic hurdles.
Controversial Section 27B imposes Rs50 million penalties for obstructing legally granted right-of-way enforcement. While IT Minister Shaza Fatima faces criticism over this provision, officials confirm owners retain negotiation rights and compensation agreements preceding construction activities. The National Assembly passed the bill June 11 despite Senate opposition to bundling tower installations with fiberization measures. Parallel legislative streams now address telecom infrastructure frameworks and spectrum reallocation separately.
Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2026
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