The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has issued a clarification regarding the proposed Right of Way (ROW) Bill 2026, stating that it will not allow the forcible acquisition of private land or unauthorised entry into citizens' private properties. According to the ministry, property owners will retain the full right to raise objections, negotiate terms, and demand appropriate compensation before any work is carried out on their land.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The ministry emphasised that no telecom company would be allowed to enter private property without the owner's consent or without fulfilling all legal requirements. The clarification aims to address concerns raised by property owners and civil society groups about potential misuse of the bill.
The ROW Bill 2026 is designed to streamline the process for telecom companies to install infrastructure such as fiber optic cables and mobile towers, which require access to public and private land. The bill seeks to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and standardise fees across provinces.
Property Owners' Rights Protected
The ministry reiterated that the bill includes robust safeguards for property owners. Any telecom company seeking to use private land must first obtain written consent from the owner, negotiate compensation, and comply with all applicable laws. Property owners can also challenge any proposed work through legal channels.
According to a ministry spokesperson, “The bill does not grant any blanket authority to telecom companies. Every case will be handled on its merits, with full respect for property rights.”
Background and Objectives
The ROW Bill 2026 was introduced to accelerate the rollout of digital infrastructure under the Digital Pakistan initiative. Currently, telecom companies face delays due to fragmented regulations and high fees charged by local authorities. The bill aims to create a uniform framework for right-of-way permissions, reducing costs and deployment time.
Critics had expressed fears that the bill could lead to land grabbing or unauthorised access. However, the ministry’s clarification seeks to allay these concerns by highlighting the consent and compensation mechanisms.
Impact on Telecom Sector
Telecom operators have welcomed the bill, noting that it will help expand network coverage, especially in rural areas. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has reported that over 40% of the population still lacks reliable internet access, partly due to infrastructure bottlenecks.
The ministry expects that once enacted, the ROW Bill 2026 will reduce the average time to obtain permissions from months to weeks, boosting investment in the sector.
