TTAP demands removal of IT Minister over 'anti-people' telecommunication bill

The opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahafuz-i-Ayin-i-Pakistan (TTAP) has called for the immediate removal of Pakistan's Minister of IT and Telecom, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, over a contentious telecommunication bill. TTAP alleges the bill is "anti-people" and seeks representation on an inquiry committee formed to investigate the legislation, demanding impartiality.

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The private owner of the property would have no right to object to it, and if the property owner refused to comply, the owner would have been punished with a fine of Rs50 million regardless of the value of the property.

The Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill 2026, proposed by the IT minister, passed the National Assembly on June 11 and is currently with the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication. Concerns have surfaced on social media regarding provisions that would permit telecom operators to install infrastructure, such as cellphone towers, on private properties without the owner's consent. TTAP spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Yousufzai claimed that property owners would have no right to object and could face a fine of Rs50 million if they refused compliance.

"We oppose this draconian law as it breaches the fundamental right of the citizen as envisaged in our constitution. It restricts constitutional property rights and it encroaches upon the privacy of a citizen," Yousufzai stated. He further alleged that the bill was passed by the National Assembly without adequate consultation and that the IT minister acknowledged a procedural misstep, demonstrating "incompetence, unprofessionalism and total indifference given to matters directly affecting the people of Pakistan."

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We oppose this draconian law as it breaches the fundamental right of the citizen as envisaged in our constitution. It restricts constitutional property rights and it encroaches upon the privacy of a citizen.

TTAP also pointed to alleged concerns of corruption raised by journalists. The alliance views Prime Minister Shehbaz's decision to form an inquiry committee as an implicit admission of the bill's flaws. However, they criticize the committee's composition, noting it consists solely of government representatives. TTAP insists that including opposition members is crucial for ensuring the committee's impartiality. The timing of the government's push to pass the bill has intensified concerns about its underlying intentions.

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clearly demonstrates the incompetence, unprofessionalism and total indifference given to matters directly affecting the people of Pakistan.