News Detail
Event Title: Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Chairperson Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication presiding over a meeting of the Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad.
Event Date: 2026-06-16
SENATE IT COMMITTEE DEFERS CONSIDERATION OF TELECOMMUNICATION REORGANIZATION AMENDMENT BILL AND SEEKS REVIEW OF PROVISIONS RELATING TO PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS
A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication was held at the Banquet Hall, Parliament House, Islamabad, under the Chairpersonship of Senator Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan.
The meeting was attended by Senators, Nadeem Ahmed Bhutto, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Sadia Abbasi, senior officials of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, representatives of relevant departments, and other stakeholders.
The Committee extensively deliberated upon the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996 [The Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) (Amendment) Bill, 2026], introduced by the Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication. The Committee was informed that the proposed amendments primarily focused on three areas including institutional reforms in line with State-Owned Enterprise principles, expansion and facilitation of telecommunications infrastructure, and measures aimed at improving operational efficiency and transparency within the regulatory framework.
Officials informed the Committee that the proposed reforms sought to streamline procedures relating to right of way for fibre deployment, strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms, support national digital connectivity targets, and improve coordination among federal and provincial authorities. The Committee was further informed that the amendments were intended to accelerate fibre penetration and support expansion of internet infrastructure across the country.
Members of the committee raised concerns regarding provisions relating to the powers of the “appropriate government,” use of discretionary language in implementation clauses, and implications for private property rights. Senators emphasized that no individual should be compelled to permit installation of telecommunications infrastructure without clear legal protections, mutual agreement mechanisms, and transparent dispute resolution procedures. Members particularly questioned provisions relating to access to land, placement of telecom towers, and the interpretation of penalties associated with denial of right of way.
Responding to the concerns, representatives of the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication clarified that the proposed framework did not authorize forced acquisition or occupation of private property and that deployment of infrastructure would remain subject to mutual agreements, legal procedures, and defined dispute resolution mechanisms. Officials stated that private ownership rights would remain protected and assured the Committee that provisions and wording creating ambiguity would be reviewed and refined. The Ministry further informed the Committee that notices, hearings, and administrative review processes had been incorporated to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Committee also discussed governance provisions relating to institutional restructuring and appointments under the proposed framework. Members stressed that transitional arrangements and delegated powers should remain transparent and time-bound.
After detailed deliberations, the Committee deferred further consideration of the Bill and decided to continue clause-by-clause review in the next meeting.