IT Ministry Clarifies Telecom Bill Not for Land Grabbing Amid Criticism

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ISLAMABAD – The Ministry of IT on Saturday clarified that the proposed Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill 2026 does not permit the compulsory acquisition of private land, seeking to quell concerns circulating on social media.

The ministry stated the bill’s Right of Way (ROW) provisions are designed to accelerate the deployment of telecom infrastructure, crucial for the upcoming 5G auction, by creating a transparent legal framework. Under the proposed law, if a private property owner does not respond to an access request within 30 days, the matter is referred to the government for resolution, not automatically approved. However, for collectively-owned properties like housing societies, non-response is deemed approval, though no fees can be charged.

The bill introduces a new fine of up to Rs 50 million for obstructing or delaying access rights. The proposed changes have drawn sharp criticism, with Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman labeling the bill “ignorant and predatory” and a “robbery of the fundamental rights of the people.”

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