Govt moves to resolve legal ambiguities over telecom Right of Way

According to Mettis Link News, a committee examining provisions of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Amendment Bill 2026 said uncertainty over Right of Way use for telecom networks must be settled through a clearer law and a workable procedure. It stressed that a balance must be struck between network needs and the land rights of individuals, while expanding digital access and safeguarding citizens' property. Discussions at the meeting covered written consent from owners for installing equipment on private land, compensation, and other legal requirements.

The session examined how authority is divided among federal, provincial and local bodies for public, shared and private property. The committee also considered placing emerging technologies under suitable rules and regulations. It also looked at the duties of operators and property owners, including upkeep and restoration after equipment is installed.

Under the committee's direction, the IT and Telecommunication ministry will tackle possible legal and practical gaps in the proposal and submit the completed version to the panel. The sitting was chaired by Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Law & Justice, with Shaza Fatima, the federal minister for IT and Telecommunication, and senior officials from both ministries present.