Pakistan IT ministry clarifies telecom bill does not mandate 'acquisition of private land'

Pakistan's Ministry of Information Technology has issued a clarification regarding proposed amendments to the telecommunication laws, specifically addressing concerns that the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill 2026 would permit the compulsory acquisition of private land. The ministry stated that the bill, approved by the National Assembly and now before the Senate Standing Committee, does not authorize such actions.

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do not permit telecom operators to enter individual private property without the owner’s permission or due legal process, and do not authorise compulsory acquisition of private land

The ministry emphasized that the Right of Way (ROW) provisions within the bill are designed to facilitate the deployment of telecom infrastructure and enhance connectivity for citizens. These provisions, it clarified, do not allow telecom operators to enter private property without owner permission or due legal process. The goal is to establish a transparent legal framework while fully safeguarding private property rights, especially in anticipation of 5G spectrum auctions.

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designed to accelerate telecom infrastructure deployment, improve connectivity for citizens, and establish a transparent legal framework while fully safeguarding private property rights

Property owners are assured that they retain the right to negotiate terms, seek compensation, and raise objections regarding infrastructure placement. The ministry noted that disputes where owners do not respond to reminders will be referred to the appropriate government authority for resolution, ensuring that the constitutional and legal rights of citizens are upheld. Telecom operators are explicitly barred from forcing entry onto private land during such review processes.

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Especially considering the [5G] spectrum auction, it is imperative to have investment in infrastructure to ensure reliable, affordable, high-speed connectivity for our people

Furthermore, the ministry clarified that any fines mentioned in the bill pertain to property owners who have reneged on contractual terms, which it stated significantly harms investments. The amendments are intended to address issues caused by a fragmented ROW approval process, inconsistent fees, and arbitrary requirements that have slowed network expansion and increased deployment costs, ultimately impacting service quality.

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Property owners retain the right to respond, negotiate terms, seek compensation where applicable, raise objections, and agree matters such as route alignment, timing and access