ISLAMABAD

The government has decided to withdraw the Pakistan Telecommunication Re-organisation Amendment Bill 2026 from the Senate, ending the current legislative process for a measure that had drawn criticism and scrutiny over several of its provisions.

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima said the Ministry of IT had formally requested the Senate to return the bill before the completion of its 90-day constitutional period.

She said that once the 90-day period expires, the bill would have to be taken to a joint sitting of Parliament, a process the government does not expect to pursue in the near future.

Instead, the government plans to introduce a new bill containing the key elements of the previous legislation along with necessary amendments, Shaza Fatima said.

The new legislation is intended to speed up the lawmaking process while retaining the core points considered necessary by the government.

The National Assembly had approved the Pakistan Telecommunication Re-organisation Amendment Bill on June 11, 2026, while the Senate referred it to its relevant standing committee on June 15.

The legislation subsequently became controversial, with the standing committee raising questions over a provision concerning private property.

The bill also faced criticism on social media, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take notice and form a committee headed by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar to review the contentious provisions.

The government’s decision to withdraw the bill effectively clears the way for a revised legislative proposal as authorities seek to address concerns surrounding the earlier draft.