Govt to Amend Bill Giving Telcos Too Much Authority Over Private Properties

The federal government has decided to review the proposed Telecom Reorganization Amendment Bill 2026 after facing strong opposition from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), along with criticism from lawmakers and the public, sources familiar with people who made the bill told ProPakistani.

The bill, which was passed by the National Assembly on June 11, 2026, has come under scrutiny over several provisions related to the installation of telecom infrastructure.

According to sources, the government is prepared to soften some of the bill’s stricter provisions following concerns raised by the PPP. Officials said certain legal and technical terms in the draft created misunderstandings, while some of the proposed penalties were inaccurately portrayed in public discussions.

Before finalizing any revisions, the government will consult the PPP’s legislative committee.

Sources in the Ministry of Information Technology said the provisions related to the laying of underground telecom cables will remain unchanged. However, amendments are being considered for clauses governing the installation of above-ground telecom infrastructure. The government is reviewing proposals to make these provisions less restrictive while preserving the bill’s original objectives.

The legislation has already sparked debate in parliamentary committees. PPP members raised reservations during discussions in the relevant standing committee, while Pakistan Muslim League-N Senator Afnan Ullah also expressed concerns over several provisions of the proposed law. As a result, additional amendments are expected to be presented before the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology.

The original bill included provisions allowing legal action against individuals who obstruct telecom infrastructure projects. Once consultations are completed, the revised bill will be presented to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and then to the Senate for approval.

If passed by the upper house, it will be returned to the National Assembly for final consideration.