ISLAMABAD

A controversial telecommunications reform bill recently passed by the National Assembly has come under scrutiny in the Senate, with lawmakers warning that the proposed legislation could undermine private property rights and expand state and corporate powers over privately owned land.

Senators raised concerns that the Telecommunications Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill could allow telecom companies and government authorities greater access to private properties for the installation of mobile towers and fibre-optic infrastructure, potentially limiting the rights of landowners.

Speaking on the issue, Senator Palwasha Khan said the bill could create serious challenges for private property owners and affect citizens’ ownership rights. She expressed concern that individuals may be given only a 15-day notice before telecom infrastructure is installed on or near their properties.

“The bill has been drafted in haste and requires thorough review,” she said, adding that her party’s legislative committee had earlier advised the Ministry of Information Technology to introduce amendments before seeking parliamentary approval.

The senator noted that the proposed law would now be debated extensively within political parties and on the Senate floor before any final decision is made. She said lawmakers would seek amendments to several provisions, including Article 27-A and clauses related to penalties and fines.

Palwasha Khan further stated that after detailed deliberations, the Senate could amend the bill and send it back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.

The debate highlights growing concerns over balancing Pakistan’s digital infrastructure expansion with constitutional protections for private property rights, a matter likely to remain at the centre of parliamentary discussions in the coming weeks.