The government has clarified that telecom companies can’t own private property without the owner’s consent.The government has now stated that telecom companies cannot own private property without the consent of the property owner.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has clarified that proposed amendments in the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) (Amendment) Bill 2026 does not give telecom companies the mandate to enter private property without the consent of the property owner or completion of legal processes.
The proposed Right of Way (ROW) framework is designed to facilitate the expansion of telecom infrastructure and enhance internet services in Pakistan, all while ensuring that citizens’ property rights are not infringed upon, the ministry said.
Property owners have continued rights to consider requests, negotiate terms, seek compensation when applicable and object to any work done on their property before a telecom company can proceed. Telecom operators will not be allowed to compel access to private land until a dispute has been taken under consideration by the relevant authorities.
The ministry added that the changes do not give any powers to compulsory acquisition of private lands. Disputes relating to access requests will be dealt with in accordance with prevailing legal processes and constitutional safeguards.
The changes in the rules are meant to tackle some of the longstanding issues in expanding telecommunications infrastructure, authorities say. The lack of approvals, different local regulations, and administrative procedures have delayed deployment of fiber networks and led to poor internet service in numerous regions.
The proposed legislation aims to provide a more transparent and clear framework for deployment in public places, housing societies, and other locations, while ensuring that property owners have protections.
The officials also explained that the fines referred to in the proposed legislation would apply only if there were already contracts in place and they were breached. Telecom companies will have to restore the damaged areas and will not be allowed to cause any permanent damages to private property.
The amendment bill has already been considered in the National Assembly and it is currently being discussed in the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication.
The government feels that the proposed reforms will ensure investment, digital connectivity, enhance internet services and assist Pakistan’s digital transformation, without infringing upon the rights of citizens.
