Govt to End Confusion Over Telecom Right Of Way Rules

Pakistan is taking steps to resolve confusion surrounding legal rules governing telecom companies' right of way for installing infrastructure. Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar instructed the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication to address concerns raised by proposed amendments to the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganization Act 2026.

The amendments, under review by a committee chaired by Tarar, focus on legal and practical aspects of the Right of Way provisions. Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, along with senior officials, participated in the review, which examined the roles of federal, provincial, and local authorities over public, common development, and private properties.

They also discussed requirements for obtaining written consent from property owners before installing telecom infrastructure on private land, as well as compensation and other legal requirements related to Right of Way usage. Law Minister Tarar emphasized the need to balance expanding telecom infrastructure with protecting private property rights, calling for a clear and workable framework to resolve legal ambiguities.

The government pledged support for broader digital connectivity while safeguarding property owners' rights. Discussions also covered extending the legal framework to encompass new and emerging technologies and defining responsibilities of telecom companies and property owners for property maintenance and restoration post-installation.

The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication was tasked with refining the proposed legislation based on the identified issues and submitting it to the committee for further review.