ISLAMABAD

The government’s proposed Telecommunications Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2026 has hit a roadblock after strong opposition from coalition partner Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and concerns raised by lawmakers over several of its provisions.

Facing mounting criticism, the government has decided to review the bill afresh and consider amendments aimed at easing some of the stricter conditions related to the installation of telecom infrastructure on private property.

According to sources, the government is considering changes to clauses governing above-ground telecom infrastructure, including mobile towers and related installations, while provisions related to the laying of underground fibre-optic cables are likely to remain unchanged.

Officials said certain legal and technical terms used in the bill may have led to misunderstandings regarding its scope and impact. They also argued that public debate surrounding proposed penalties and fines had, in some cases, misrepresented the actual provisions contained in the legislation.

The bill has faced intense scrutiny on social media and within parliamentary circles since its passage by the National Assembly on June 11. Members of the PPP expressed reservations during committee discussions, warning that some provisions could affect property rights and grant excessive powers for telecom infrastructure deployment.

Concerns were also echoed by PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan, who called for a more detailed review of the proposed legislation before its final approval.

Sources said the government will now consult the PPP’s legislative committee and introduce revised amendments in the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology. Following Senate review and approval, the amended bill will be sent back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.

The latest development highlights the growing political sensitivity surrounding Pakistan’s efforts to accelerate telecom infrastructure expansion while balancing the rights of citizens and private property owners.