PM's committee proposes consent-based changes to telecom right-of-way bill

ISLAMABAD: A committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to review the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has proposed changes to the draft law, including an explicit bar on access to or use of private property without the owner’s consent.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice on Wednesday, the committee submitted its interim report after reviewing the bill’s Right of Way provisions and the existing legal framework.

The committee was tasked with examining Sections 2(qb), 2(ma), 27A and 27B of the bill after objections were raised by government allies and opposition lawmakers.

The report said the purpose of the proposed law was to improve digital connectivity while protecting citizens’ rights, but added that some provisions required clearer wording to remove ambiguity.

On private property, the committee said no action involving access to or use of land, building, property or assets of a private individual or private legal entity should be taken without the owner’s consent and a mutually agreed arrangement.

The committee recommended that the law clearly define 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 that the framework explicitly cover regulated private housing schemes, cooperative housing societies and similar entities.

The report called for clear definitions of private land, private property, private individuals, companies, cooperative societies and other forms of joint ownership to avoid misinterpretation.

It also recommended maintaining a distinction between above-ground and underground telecommunications infrastructure, right-of-way arrangements and related equipment, with separate procedures for each category.

The committee proposed a dispute resolution mechanism for cases involving licensed operators and public institutions, housing schemes, cooperative housing societies or similar entities.

Under the proposed mechanism, disputes would be referred to the appropriate government, which would be required to decide the matter within 45 days under the law.

The report said clear principles should guide the relevant government while assessing the necessity and appropriateness of any proposal, its public interest implications and the compensation payable.

Any affected person should have the right to appeal before the Telecommunications Appellate Tribunal established under Section 7A of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganisation) Act, 1996. The tribunal’s decision would be final.

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

It further proposed revisiting the penalty prescribed under Section 27B(1) and aligning it with the overall structure and objectives of the legislation.

The Ministry of Law and Justice said the committee had reached consensus on the broad principles, policy objectives and required amendments.

A draft of the proposed changes to the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, will be finalised within one week and submitted for further consideration and directions.

The ministry said there would be no compromise on private property rights, owner consent, the right to object, legal safeguards and compensation.

It added that the objective of the Right of Way reforms was to provide better, faster and more reliable internet services, not to undermine property rights.

The bill, tabled by IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, seeks amendments to the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganisation) Act, 1996.

It was passed by the National Assembly on June 11 by majority vote, but was later deferred by the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication after being referred to the committee on June 15, where it drew severe criticism. 

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication had earlier clarified that the proposed Right of Way Bill 2026 would not allow forcible acquisition of private land or unauthorised entry into private property.

According to the ministry, property owners would retain the right to raise objections, negotiate terms and demand appropriate compensation before any work is carried out on their land.