Major Changes Proposed in Telecom Reorganization Amendment Bill

A special committee, led by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, has reviewed the controversial Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Amendment Bill 2026 and suggested major changes to its language.

In its report, the committee stated that for any use of or access to private property, the owner's consent and a mutual agreement will be a fundamental condition. The panel also highlighted a need to clearly distinguish between 'above-ground' and 'underground' telecom structures.

The committee, formed after the Senate Standing Committee on IT & Telecom raised objections, also observed a need for clarity regarding the law's application to buildings and land owned by public institutions, governments, and cooperative housing societies. The bill had already been approved by the National Assembly earlier in June.

In response to concerns over the proposed Telecom Reorganization Amendment Bill, Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has stated that there is no intention to forcibly install telecom towers on private property.

Following a review, controversial clauses have reportedly been removed from the proposed Telecom Reorganization Amendment Bill. The finalization of the report on the bill comes amid claims from legal experts who have raised concerns about potential human rights implications within the legislation.

A key report concerning the 'Right-of-Way' clauses of the proposed PTA Reorganization Amendment Bill 2026 has been presented, according to an update on Wednesday.

A new draft of the Telecom Reorganization Amendment Bill has been finalized, which reportedly proposes major changes to the existing framework.