ISLAMABAD

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima has defended the controversial Telecommunications Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, saying the legislation was introduced through a democratic process and would be refined to address legal and technical concerns raised by lawmakers and stakeholders.

Speaking to journalists at Parliament House, the minister said a committee formed under the leadership of Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar would submit its recommendations on the bill to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today.

Shaza Fatima rejected claims that the legislation was rushed through Parliament, noting that the bill remained under consideration in the National Assembly for six months before being approved.

She stressed that Pakistan must take urgent steps to expand fibre-optic infrastructure ahead of the planned rollout of 5G services, arguing that nationwide fibreisation is essential to support next-generation connectivity and improve internet access across the country.

“At the same time, protecting citizens’ property rights remains our foremost responsibility as elected representatives,” the minister said, adding that digital development and constitutional protections must go hand in hand.

The IT minister said the government is committed to ensuring internet connectivity reaches every corner of the country through expanded fibre networks while safeguarding public interests.

She acknowledged that some objections to the bill stemmed from legal and technical language contained in the draft and assured that these concerns would be addressed through revisions recommended by the review committee.

The remarks come amid growing political debate over the proposed legislation, which has faced criticism from lawmakers, property rights advocates and members of the Senate who argue that certain provisions require stronger safeguards and clearer legal protections.

Government officials maintain that regulatory reforms are necessary to accelerate fibre deployment and support Pakistan’s digital transformation agenda, particularly as preparations for 5G spectrum auctions gather pace.

The committee’s recommendations are expected to shape a revised version of the bill aimed at balancing infrastructure expansion, private property rights and the country’s long-term connectivity goals.