ISLAMABAD

The Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication discussed key provisions of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Amendment Bill 2026 on Thursday, with lawmakers debating its implications for fiber infrastructure, telecom equipment deployment, and property rights.

During the meeting, Senator Afnan Ullah raised concerns that the proposed legislation extends beyond fiber-optic networks and also references telecom equipment and towers, warning that the bill could create implementation challenges in the future.

Responding to lawmakers’ concerns, the Secretary IT assured the committee that no private landowner or stakeholder would be inconvenienced for fiberisation projects without consent. He said any disputes arising from telecom infrastructure deployment would be referred to the relevant provincial or local government for resolution.

The discussion also witnessed a sharp exchange when Senator Sadia Abbasi criticized the conduct of the Ministry of IT’s legal representative, saying the official was presenting arguments in a manner similar to a Supreme Court judge.

Despite reservations, Senator Afnan Ullah acknowledged that the committee was likely to approve the legislation but cautioned that certain provisions could generate disputes once implemented.

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja defended the bill, stating that extensive consultations had already been conducted with stakeholders before the legislation reached parliament. She urged lawmakers to support the measure, describing it as essential for accelerating Pakistan’s digital infrastructure development.

The minister reiterated that all provinces had been taken on board regarding Right of Way (RoW) reforms and emphasized that the government remains committed to removing barriers to fiber deployment and expanding nationwide connectivity.

The bill is part of broader government efforts to boost fiberisation, improve broadband infrastructure, and prepare the country for next-generation digital services, including 5G.