Controversial Telecommunication bill: PM body prepares interim report

ISLAMABAD: A high-level committee constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has prepared its interim report on the controversial Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Amendment Bill, proposing significant changes aimed at making the legislation more business-friendly while safeguarding private property rights, official sources told Business Recorder here on Wednesday. The committee, headed by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, received a review report from a sub-committee that was tasked with addressing concerns raised by stakeholders over several contentious provisions of the proposed law. The interim report would be presented to the Prime Minister. According to sources, the interim report seeks to strike a balance between the interests of the government, telecom operators, and the general public by introducing stronger protections for private individuals and ensuring due process before telecommunications infrastructure can be installed on private property. Sources said the committee is likely to meet again next week to prepare a fresh amended draft of the bill for government consideration. “The objective is to make the legislation practical, investment-friendly and acceptable to all stakeholders while ensuring protection of citizens’ rights, ” a source familiar with the deliberations said. One of the most controversial provisions related to the deployment of fiber-optic networks and other telecommunications installations on private properties has been substantially revised. Sources said the new draft will introduce safeguards requiring the consent of property owners and provide clearer hearing and grievance-redress mechanisms for affected individuals. The committee has recommended legal and procedural improvements to reduce disputes, streamline infrastructure deployment, and support the government’s broader digital connectivity agenda. According to officials familiar with the matter, the interim report has been prepared after extensive consultations and seeks to ensure that the final legislation remains acceptable both to the government and the telecommunications sector. “The emphasis has been on creating a framework that promotes investment and network expansion without compromising property rights or public interest, ” a source said. The proposed amendments are considered critical for accelerating fiber-optic rollout and improving digital connectivity, particularly as Pakistan moves toward next-generation broadband services and increased digitalization of the economy. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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