NA-Passed Telecom Bill Reorganization Bill Faces Senate Pushback Over Private Property Concerns

The Telecommunication Reorganization Amendment Bill, already passed by the National Assembly, has come under scrutiny in the Senate after lawmakers raised concerns over its possible impact on private property rights.

Senators warned that the proposed amendments could expand the powers of the state and telecom companies over private land, particularly for the installation of mobile towers and the expansion of fiber networks.

During the discussion, Senator Palwasha Khan said the bill could create legal and practical concerns for private property owners. She argued that citizens’ personal properties may be affected if telecom infrastructure is installed under the proposed framework.

According to Senator Khan, citizens would be given a 15-day notice for the installation of telecom towers, a provision that senators fear may weaken the rights of property owners and lead to disputes.

She said the bill had been prepared in haste, adding that the party’s legislative committee had already informed the Ministry of IT that changes were needed before the legislation moved forward.

Despite those concerns, she said, the bill was passed by the National Assembly, making it necessary for the Senate to review it in detail.

Senator Palwasha Khan said the proposed law would now be debated at both the party level and in the House. She added that the bill would be amended and sent back to the National Assembly after further discussion.

She also said Article 27A and penalty-related provisions would be reviewed as part of the proposed changes.

The bill is aimed at facilitating telecom infrastructure development, including mobile towers and fibre networks, as Pakistan seeks to improve digital connectivity. However, senators have stressed that infrastructure expansion should not come at the cost of citizens’ property rights.

The debate is expected to continue as lawmakers try to strike a balance between faster telecom rollout and the protection of private property owners.

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