ISLAMABAD (MNN); Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has defended the proposed amendments to Pakistan’s telecommunications laws, saying the existing legal framework is outdated and incapable of supporting modern technologies, including 5G and next-generation digital connectivity.
Addressing a joint press conference with Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar on Sunday, the minister said the proposed Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026 seeks to update the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act, 1996, which was enacted during the era of 2G technology and no longer meets the country’s evolving digital needs.
Khawaja said Pakistan’s data consumption has increased by nearly 25 percent over the past two years, driven by rapid digital adoption and population growth. She added that the country’s available telecom spectrum has expanded from 274MHz to around 750MHz through the largest spectrum auction in Pakistan’s history, while work on next-generation telecom infrastructure is also progressing.
The minister said the proposed legislation is designed to encourage investment in digital infrastructure, expand access to high-speed internet, and remove regulatory hurdles without compromising the constitutional rights of citizens.
She explained that expanding nationwide telecommunications services requires significant investment in fibre-optic networks, telecom towers, and underground and overhead infrastructure.
Highlighting progress in internet connectivity, Khawaja said that when the current government assumed office in 2024, only three million households had fibre-based internet connections. Through policy reforms and technical initiatives, that number has now exceeded five million, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has set a target of extending wired broadband services to 10 million households over the next three years.
The minister acknowledged that the existing regulatory framework has not been attractive enough for investors and said the proposed amendments aim to improve the investment climate while resolving long-standing Right of Way (ROW) issues related to telecom infrastructure.
She appreciated the cooperation of provincial governments in implementing structural reforms and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing reliable internet access to every household across Pakistan.
Government Rejects Concerns Over Private Property
Responding to public concerns, Khawaja categorically denied claims that the proposed legislation would allow telecom companies to occupy private land without permission.
She said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a special committee, headed by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, to review the bill following concerns raised by stakeholders.
Minister Seeks Inquiry Into Allegations
The IT minister also addressed allegations regarding her financial integrity and that of the IT Secretary, saying she had formally requested the prime minister to order an independent inquiry.
Khawaja stated that if any wrongdoing is established, she would fully accept responsibility and abide by the prime minister’s decision. However, she warned that if the allegations are proven false, she and the IT Secretary reserve the legal right to pursue action under the Constitution and relevant laws after consulting legal experts.
Law Minister Clarifies Bill
Speaking at the press conference, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar dismissed allegations that the bill was designed to benefit any individual, saying the parliamentary committee found no evidence supporting such claims.
He noted that the National Assembly approved the legislation after incorporating six amendments, adding that the proposed law primarily addresses disputes involving housing societies that hinder the installation of telecom infrastructure despite existing agreements.
Tarar clarified that property owners’ consent will remain mandatory before fibre-optic cables can be laid through private land, and no citizen can be compelled to allow telecom infrastructure on their property against their will.
He reiterated that the proposed legislation fully protects private property rights while facilitating the expansion of Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
