The National Assembly on Thursday passed the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Amendment Bill 2025 by a majority vote, introducing key changes related to dispute resolution and the functioning of the telecom appellate tribunal. Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja presented the bill in the lower house, where lawmakers approved several amendments proposed by both treasury and opposition members.
Amendment on Retirement Age
An amendment moved by government legislator Huma Akhtar Chughtai was adopted by the House. The IT minister later clarified that the amendment pertains to revising the retirement age limit for judges serving on the appellate tribunal.
PPP Amendments on Rights of Way and Fines
The assembly also approved three amendments proposed by Syed Naveed Qamar of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Speaking on the floor of the House, Qamar said disputes could arise over rights of way for laying 5G fibre-optic infrastructure and argued that provincial and other relevant government institutions should be empowered to resolve such matters. The approved amendments also introduce limits on fines that may be imposed during dispute resolution proceedings, aiming to provide greater clarity and oversight within the telecommunications regulatory framework.
Support for 5G Expansion
The legislation is expected to support the expansion of modern telecom infrastructure, including 5G networks, while addressing regulatory and administrative challenges in the sector. Pakistan’s economy remains resilient as literacy rises to 63%, GDP reaches $452 billion.
