Controversial telecom bill sparked backlash over private property access as the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications has deferred consideration of the Pakistan Telecommunication Re-organization (Amendment) Bill, 2026, following criticism over a provision that could impose hefty penalties on property owners who refuse access for telecom infrastructure installation.
The proposed legislation seeks to facilitate the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure, including mobile towers and optical fiber networks, across the country.
However, a controversial clause in the bill has sparked concerns regarding private property rights.
Under Section 27B of the proposed amendment, property owners, leaseholders, tenants, as well as public and private institutions, would be required to provide access or space for the installation of telecom infrastructure.
Telecom operators would be allowed to enter such premises after serving a notice as prescribed under the law.
The bill further stipulates that any refusal or failure to grant right-of-way access could result in a fine of up to Rs50 million.
The proposal has drawn criticism from legal experts, civil society members, and commentators who argue that the measure may infringe upon constitutional protections related to private property.
Journalist Muhammad Malick questioned the legal basis of the draft legislation, saying, “Neither your will, nor your home, nor your land. Which black law is the government bringing?”
