PM sets up panel to review telecom amendment bill after concerns

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a committee to examine the Telecommunication Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, following concerns raised over some of its provisions and the government’s effort to move the measure through parliament.

The committee will be led by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. Its members include Senator Sherry Rehman, Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, as well as experts from the legal and information technology fields.

The bill, introduced by Shaza Fatima Khawaja, proposes changes to the 1996 law governing telecommunications. It was passed by the National Assembly on June 11 through a majority vote. The legislation was later taken up by the Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecommunication after being referred there on June 15, where its consideration was deferred.

Questions about the purpose and implications of the proposed law had intensified, particularly because of the government’s push to secure its passage from both houses of parliament. The matter drew objections from PTI senators, who called for the bill to be sent to the relevant standing committee. Following those objections, Senate Standing Committee on IT and Telecom Chairperson Senator Palwasha Khan called a meeting the next day, on June 16.

Provisions under review

The newly constituted committee has been tasked with addressing objections linked to specific parts of the proposed legislation. It will review the Right-of-Way framework contained in Section 2(qb), Section 2(ma), and Sections 27A and 27B of the Telecommunication Reorganisation Amendment Bill.

The panel will also examine provisions related to the installation of telecommunication infrastructure and discuss matters concerning operations involving private property and housing societies before submitting its recommendations. The prime minister has directed the committee to take up the review on a priority basis and present its proposals.

Ministry’s earlier clarification

Earlier, the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication said the proposed ROW Bill 2026 would not permit forced acquisition of private land or unauthorised access to citizens’ homes or properties. The ministry said property owners would continue to have the right to object, negotiate conditions and seek suitable compensation before any work is carried out on their land.

The review comes as the government moves to respond to criticism surrounding the bill’s provisions, particularly those dealing with right-of-way and the scope of telecom-related activity on private land.