A committee constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has proposed significant changes to the Telecom Reorganization Amendment Bill after the draft legislation drew widespread criticism over concerns related to privacy and property rights.
According to sources, the panel has recommended amendments aimed at making the proposed law more public-friendly while strengthening safeguards for citizens’ privacy and private property.
The committee was formed after public concerns emerged over the bill and has so far held two meetings to review the proposed legislation and examine contentious provisions.
Among the key recommendations are revisions to several controversial clauses, including clearer definitions and changes to provisions that had raised alarm over potential encroachment on private property and citizens’ rights. The proposed amendments are intended to address those concerns while preserving the bill’s broader regulatory objectives.
One of the main proposals is that private property should only be used for the installation of telecom infrastructure with the explicit consent of the property owner. The committee has also recommended that compensation for such use should be determined through mutual agreement between the property owner and the telecom operator.
The panel has further called for a review of provisions related to fiberization and the installation of other telecom infrastructure on privately owned land.
For telecom towers installed on government land, the committee has proposed that the state should receive appropriate compensation, while ensuring that the government’s financial interests are adequately protected.
Sources said the revised draft has been prepared by taking into account the interests of the public, the government and the telecom sector, with the aim of producing a version acceptable to all stakeholders.
The committee, which includes Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima and other members, is expected to review the amended draft prepared by the Ministry of IT and Telecom before submitting its final recommendations to the prime minister.
The Telecom Reorganization Bill had faced strong criticism online, prompting the government to order a fresh review of the legislation.
