Pakistan IT Minister Advocates for Telecom Bill to Modernize Laws for 5G and Beyond
Pakistan's Information Technology Minister, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, emphasized the urgent need for a proposed telecommunications bill, stating that current laws are insufficient for modern technologies like 5G. The Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill 2026, approved by the National Assembly on June 11, aims to update the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act of 1996, which was enacted during the 2G era. Minister Khawaja highlighted that data consumption has surged by nearly 25% in the last two years, necessitating an updated legal framework to support increased spectrum availability and the rollout of next-generation infrastructure. The bill intends to attract investment, expand high-speed internet access, and remove regulatory hurdles without infringing on fundamental rights. She noted that while fibre-based internet connections have grown from 3 million to over 5 million households since the current government took office in 2024, further expansion to 10 million households within three years requires a more conducive regulatory environment, particularly addressing Right of Way challenges. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that the bill does not permit forced occupation of private land, and property owner consent remains mandatory for laying fibre-optic cables. He also addressed allegations of financial impropriety against Minister Khawaja and the IT secretary, stating that a parliamentary committee found no evidence of personal gain and that the legislation primarily aims to resolve issues with housing societies obstructing telecom infrastructure development.
The proposed amendments to Pakistan's telecommunications law reflect a common challenge faced by nations striving to keep pace with rapid technological advancement. The core issue is aligning legacy regulatory frameworks, designed for earlier generations of technology, with the demands of 5G and future digital infrastructure. This necessitates balancing the drive for investment and expanded connectivity with the protection of citizens' rights, including property rights. The government's stated aim to facilitate infrastructure rollout while respecting private property suggests a focus on creating a more predictable and attractive investment climate. Future success will likely hinge on the clarity and practical implementation of ROW regulations and the government's ability to foster trust and transparency, thereby mitigating concerns about potential overreach or unintended consequences for property owners.
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