Pakistan has taken another important step toward improving its internet infrastructure as the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunications discussed the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganisation Amendment Bill 2026. The bill aims to remove obstacles that have slowed the expansion of fiber optic networks across the country and support the government’s plans for faster and more reliable internet services.
The bill had already been approved by the National Assembly’s Standing Committee and was brought before the Senate committee for review and approval.
Government Wants Faster Expansion of Fiber Internet
During the meeting, Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications Shaza Fatima briefed lawmakers on the proposed amendments.
She explained that the government wants to accelerate the spread of fiber optic infrastructure across Pakistan. Fiber optic cables are considered the backbone of modern internet services because they provide much faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections than traditional copper cables.
Pakistan currently relies heavily on mobile broadband services, while fiber internet coverage remains limited in many parts of the country. The government believes expanding fiber networks is essential for improving digital connectivity, supporting businesses, enabling remote work, strengthening e-commerce, and preparing the country for future technologies.
According to the minister, the government’s target is to increase fiberization coverage to around 60 percent in the coming years.
Major Obstacle Removed: Right-of-Way Charges Abolished
One of the most important developments discussed during the meeting was the abolition of right-of-way charges across all provinces.
For years, telecom companies and internet service providers have complained that right-of-way fees made fiber deployment expensive and complicated.
These charges were imposed by local authorities whenever telecom operators wanted to dig roads, install fiber cables, or use public land for telecommunications infrastructure.
Industry experts have long argued that these fees significantly slowed internet expansion projects because companies had to spend large amounts of money on permissions and approvals before laying fiber cables.
Shaza Fatima informed the committee that all provinces have now agreed to remove these charges.
The proposed legislation aims to formally incorporate this change into law so that future provincial or local governments cannot easily reintroduce the fees.
According to the minister, the government wants to ensure that no administrative or financial barriers slow down Pakistan’s digital development.
Government Wants to Prevent Future Disputes
The minister also emphasized that disputes over right-of-way permissions should not be allowed to delay fiber projects.
She stated that the new legal framework is designed to ensure that disagreements regarding permissions or access do not become obstacles to internet infrastructure development.
The government believes that improving internet connectivity is a national priority and should not be delayed by unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Concerns Raised Over Telecom Towers and Equipment
While most lawmakers supported the goal of expanding fiber networks, some concerns were raised regarding the broader scope of the bill.
Senator Afnan Ullah pointed out that the legislation does not deal only with fiber optic cables.
According to him, the bill also contains provisions related to:
- Telecom towers
- Communication equipment
- Network apparatus
- Other telecommunications infrastructure
He argued that while removing barriers for underground fiber installation is relatively straightforward, issues involving telecom towers and above-ground equipment are more complicated.
Unlike fiber cables buried underground, telecom towers occupy physical land and may affect nearby residents, communities, and property owners.
Because of this, Senator Afnan Ullah warned that some problems could emerge in the future if these concerns are not addressed properly.
Concerns About Property Rights
One of the key issues discussed during the meeting was the protection of private property rights.
Lawmakers wanted assurances that telecom companies would not be allowed to install infrastructure on private land without permission.
Responding to these concerns, the IT Secretary clarified the government’s position.
He assured committee members that:
- No private land will be used without the owner’s consent.
- No individual or property owner will be pressured into accepting telecom installations.
- Landowners’ rights will remain protected under the law.
The secretary stressed that consent will remain a fundamental requirement whenever private property is involved.
Dispute Resolution Mechanism Proposed
The IT Secretary also explained how future disputes would be handled.
If disagreements arise between telecom operators and property owners, the matter will not be left unresolved.
Instead, such disputes will be referred to the relevant government authority for review and settlement.
The government believes this mechanism will help prevent lengthy legal battles and ensure that infrastructure projects can proceed while respecting the rights of all parties involved.
However, some lawmakers expressed concerns that the effectiveness of this system will depend on how efficiently government institutions handle such cases.
Heated Exchange During the Meeting
The committee meeting also witnessed a tense moment involving Senator Sadia Abbasi.
During discussions, she expressed frustration with the conduct of the IT Ministry’s legal representative.
According to reports, she criticized the legal member for behaving as though he were a Supreme Court judge rather than a government official appearing before a parliamentary committee.
Her remarks reflected concerns that some questions raised by lawmakers were not being answered in a satisfactory manner.
The exchange highlighted the seriousness with which committee members were examining the proposed legislation.
Senator Afnan Ullah’s Warning
Although Senator Afnan Ullah indicated that he would support the bill, he maintained his reservations regarding certain provisions.
He warned that issues related to telecom towers and equipment installations could create complications in the future.
According to him, approving the bill now does not necessarily mean all potential challenges have been fully resolved.
His comments were placed on record as part of the committee’s proceedings.
Such reservations are common during parliamentary debates, where lawmakers often support legislation while simultaneously highlighting concerns that may require future attention.
Government Pushes for Immediate Approval
Federal Minister Shaza Fatima strongly defended the bill and urged lawmakers to approve it without further delay.
She argued that extensive consultations had already taken place during the drafting process.
According to the minister, the legislation has been discussed with:
- Government departments
- Provincial authorities
- Industry stakeholders
- Regulatory bodies
- Parliamentary committees
She stated that the consultation process had been sufficiently thorough and that additional delays would only slow Pakistan’s digital development goals.
Her message to the committee was clear: the time for discussion had largely passed, and the focus should now shift toward implementation.
Why Fiber Optic Infrastructure Is Important
The government’s strong push for fiberization reflects the growing importance of digital connectivity in modern economies.
Fiber optic technology offers several advantages over traditional internet infrastructure:
Faster Internet Speeds
Fiber connections can deliver significantly higher internet speeds, allowing users to stream videos, attend online classes, and conduct business more efficiently.
Better Reliability
Fiber networks are generally more stable and less prone to interruptions than older technologies.
Improved Digital Services
Stronger internet infrastructure supports:
- Online education
- Telemedicine
- E-commerce
- Cloud computing
- Remote work
- Digital banking
- Government digital services
Support for Future Technologies
Fiber networks are essential for technologies such as:
- 5G mobile services
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Smart cities
- Advanced data centers
Without widespread fiber infrastructure, it becomes difficult to support these emerging technologies effectively.
Impact on Pakistan’s Digital Economy
The expansion of fiber networks could have a significant impact on Pakistan’s growing digital economy.
In recent years, the country has seen rapid growth in:
- IT exports
- Freelancing
- Software development
- Technology startups
- Digital payments
- E-commerce platforms
Reliable high-speed internet is considered essential for sustaining this growth.
Industry experts believe that reducing deployment costs and removing administrative barriers could encourage telecom operators and internet providers to invest more aggressively in network expansion.
This, in turn, could help improve internet access in underserved areas and create new economic opportunities.
What Happens Next?
With the National Assembly committee already approving the bill and the Senate committee now reviewing it, the legislation has moved closer to becoming law.
If passed, the amendments are expected to:
- Strengthen Pakistan’s fiber optic infrastructure
- Remove right-of-way barriers permanently
- Accelerate broadband expansion
- Improve internet quality nationwide
- Support future telecom investments
- Enhance digital connectivity for businesses and consumers
Conclusion
The Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganisation Amendment Bill 2026 represents a major effort by the government to modernize the country’s digital infrastructure and speed up the expansion of fiber optic networks.
The removal of right-of-way charges is seen as a significant breakthrough that could make internet infrastructure projects faster and more affordable. At the same time, lawmakers have raised important questions about property rights, telecom towers, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
While concerns remain regarding some aspects of the legislation, the government believes the bill will play a key role in achieving its goal of expanding fiber coverage to 60 percent and strengthening Pakistan’s digital future.
If implemented effectively, the reforms could help improve internet services across the country, support economic growth, attract technology investment, and prepare Pakistan for the next generation of digital innovation.
