Islamabad Zubair Kasuri: In a landmark decision aimed at accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation, the federal government has abolished “Right of Way” (ROW) charges for the installation of IT and telecommunications infrastructure. The move, taken on the directives of the Prime Minister, comes into immediate effect and applies to all projects under the National Highway Authority (NHA), Ministry of Railways, and Capital Development Authority (CDA).
Government Directives and Implementation
The decision was formally implemented today after three key government entities issued official notifications:
National Highway Authority (NHA): Deputy Director (Revenue–ROW) Umair Khan announced that the measure was approved by the competent authority in compliance with the Prime Minister’s directive dated 14 July 2025.
Ministry of Railways: Assistant Director Sehla Faooq confirmed the ministry’s notification, issued on 28 August 2025, stating the policy would take effect without delay.
Capital Development Authority (CDA): CDA’s 14th Board meeting on 30 July 2025 approved the decision, as per Director Regional Planning Ejaz ul Hassan’s notification, also referencing the Prime Minister’s instructions.
Industry Welcomes Move
Telecom industry leaders have hailed the abolition of ROW charges as a long-awaited reform that will remove one of the biggest barriers to expanding Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
“This is a breakthrough for both local and foreign investors in Pakistan’s telecom sector,” said an industry representative. “It will significantly reduce costs for laying fiber optic cables and other essential equipment, allowing operators to reach underserved and remote areas more affordably.”
Officials further explained that, worldwide, governments actively facilitate the growth of mobile and internet services, whereas in Pakistan, inconsistent and high ROW charges from various authorities had hindered modern network deployment.
Digital Growth Prospects
With the removal of these charges, telecom operators expect a rapid expansion of fiber optic networks, improved mobile connectivity, and wider internet access across the country. Experts believe this will open a “new chapter” in Pakistan’s digital growth, making advanced services more accessible to the population and attracting greater investment into the ICT sector.
