Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja has clarified that the proposed Telecom Bill will not permit the forced occupation of private land or property, rejecting allegations surrounding the legislation as baseless. Addressing a press conference alongside Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Shaza Fatima said the bill would clearly define categories relating to private properties and ensure that citizens' rights remain protected. She dismissed claims of financial irregularities and other allegations linked to the proposed law, adding that the prime minister had been requested to order an inquiry into the accusations.
Bill Aims to Expand High-Speed Internet Access
The IT minister said the primary objective of the Telecom Bill is to expand high-speed internet access across Pakistan, stressing that the legislation is being developed through consultation and consensus. She emphasized that the bill is designed to modernize the country's telecommunications infrastructure and bridge the digital divide.
Meanwhile, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the consent of property owners would be mandatory before laying fibre-optic infrastructure on private land. He added that the Telecommunications Act Bill had been approved with six amendments after parliamentary deliberations. Tarar further said the parliamentary committee found no evidence that the legislation was intended to benefit any particular company and had directed that all identified shortcomings in the proposed bill be addressed before implementation.
Parliamentary Scrutiny and Amendments
Tarar detailed that the bill underwent rigorous scrutiny in parliamentary committees, where stakeholders from various sectors provided input. The six amendments incorporated into the final version address concerns related to property rights, data protection, and regulatory oversight. He reiterated that the government is committed to transparency and accountability in the legislative process.
The law minister also highlighted that the committee had examined allegations of financial irregularities and found them to be unfounded. He stated that the government would continue to engage with all stakeholders to ensure the bill serves the public interest.
Protecting Citizens' Rights
Shaza Fatima Khawaja underscored that the bill includes provisions to safeguard citizens' rights, including clear guidelines on land use and compensation mechanisms. She rejected claims that the legislation would lead to arbitrary seizures of private property, calling such assertions "completely false."
The minister also noted that the prime minister has been requested to order an inquiry into the allegations, demonstrating the government's willingness to address any concerns raised by the public or opposition parties.
