Senate: Govt withdraws telecom bill
Fresh legislation planned as 90-day period nears expiry
The Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Amendment Bill 2026, which was approved by the National Assembly in June, is being withdrawn by the government. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication announced the withdrawal on Friday, stating that the bill's 90-day period was nearing completion. Once the period expires, the legislation would have proceeded to a joint sitting of parliament, though this may not happen soon.
To avoid delays and expedite the process, the ministry decided to introduce a fresh bill, retaining the essence of the proposed legislation while ensuring a timely and effective parliamentary process. The original bill, which proposed amendments to the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act of 1996, faced opposition from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).
Critics raised concerns over provisions related to the right of way for telecom infrastructure on public and private property. After criticism, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee to review the bill and address reservations. The ministry clarified that the new legislation would not permit the forcible acquisition of private land or unauthorized entry into private property, and property owners would retain the right to object, negotiate terms, and seek compensation before any work on their land.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
