Govt moves to resolve legal ambiguities over telecom Right of Way

August 18, 2026 (MLN): A clear and effective legal framework is needed to remove legal ambiguities relating to Right of Way, with a transparent and workable mechanism required for the use of Right of Way for telecommunication infrastructure, a committee reviewing provisions under the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Amendment Bill 2026 has said.

An appropriate balance between the requirements of telecom infrastructure and private property rights is essential, and the expansion of digital connectivity will be ensured while protecting the property rights of citizens, according to the press release. 

The promotion of digital connectivity requires a legal framework that protects the rights and interests of all stakeholders, and the rights of property owners must be protected alongside the expansion of telecommunication infrastructure.

A detailed review of proposed amendments relating to Right of Way and the existing legal framework was carried out during the meeting, along with legal aspects concerning the installation of telecommunication infrastructure and the use of Right of Way.

Jurisdiction of federal, provincial and local authorities with regard to public, common-development and private properties was among the matters reviewed.

The mechanism for obtaining written consent of property owners for installation of telecommunication infrastructure on private property was discussed, along with consent, compensation and other legal requirements relating to the use of Right of Way.

A proposal to bring new and emerging technologies within the legal framework through appropriate rules and regulations was also considered.

The responsibilities of telecom companies and relevant property owners were discussed, including responsibilities relating to the protection, maintenance and restoration of properties following the installation of telecommunication infrastructure.

The Ministry of IT and Telecommunication has been directed to address potential legal and practical issues in the proposed legislation, and it has been decided that the ministry will finalize the proposed legislation and present it before the committee.

The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Federal Minister for Law & Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar.

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima, along with senior officials of the Ministry of Law & Justice and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, attended the meeting.

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