PPP Blocks Telecom Bill in Senate Over Contentious Clauses
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman yesterday made it clear that her party will not support any legislation related to information technology, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), or right-of-way (RWA) regulations unless it undergoes comprehensive scrutiny in the Senate Standing Committee and incorporates amendments proposed by the party. In a post on X, Senator Rehman said the PPP had blocked the passage of the relevant bill in the Senate because the version transmitted by the National Assembly still contained “draconian clauses” that the party had repeatedly demanded be removed.
The proposed legislation, aimed at facilitating the expansion of telecommunications and digital infrastructure across Pakistan, has sparked debate over provisions related to right-of-way permissions, access to private property, regulatory powers, and penalties. The bill was passed by the National Assembly and subsequently referred to the Senate, where PPP lawmakers sought further scrutiny and amendments before its passage.
Section 27-A Remains a Key Sticking Point
Sherry Rehman said one of the most contentious provisions was Section 27-A, which remained part of the legislation despite assurances that it had been deleted. She said PPP members in the National Assembly were informed that the controversial clauses had been removed before the bill was moved through the lower house, but the version subsequently sent to the Senate continued to include provisions that the party found unacceptable. “The bill as transmitted to the Senate still contained clauses we had repeatedly objected to,” she said, adding that although some problematic provisions had been deleted, several key concerns remained unresolved. “That is why we insisted that the legislation be referred to the Senate Standing Committee for detailed examination.”
PPP Supports Digital Expansion but Opposes Rights Encroachments
Rehman emphasized that the PPP strongly supports the expansion of digital infrastructure and fiberisation across Pakistan, but argued that the current draft of the legislation contains serious encroachments on citizens’ rights and property protections. “We are certainly not against fiberisation in Pakistan,” she said. “However, we cannot support a bill that includes encroachments on right-of-way issues, excessive penalties, and redressal mechanisms that should not be placed solely under executive control.”
The PPP leader welcomed the government’s decision to establish a committee to review concerns surrounding the legislation, but stressed that any revised proposals must ultimately be brought before the Senate Standing Committee for parliamentary scrutiny. While appreciating the formation of the government committee, Rehman said there was no justification for rushing the bill through Parliament without addressing concerns raised by lawmakers and stakeholders.
Public Hearing and Parliamentary Oversight Demanded
“There is no hurry to push this legislation through without satisfying Parliament and other representatives,” she said, suggesting that a public hearing should also be held to ensure transparency and allow citizens and affected stakeholders an opportunity to present their views. She noted that the Senate Standing Committee remained the most appropriate forum for reviewing the legislation and ensuring that all objections were properly debated before any final decision was taken.
Rehman said PPP lawmakers would once again present the same amendments in committee because the party’s position on right-of-way issues and private property rights had not changed. She argued that private property is protected under the Constitution as a fundamental right and therefore cannot be undermined through legislation.
Past Amendments Ignored, PPP Cautions
The Senator also expressed frustration over previous legislative consultations, saying that amendments submitted by the PPP had, on some occasions, failed to appear in subsequent drafts despite assurances that they would be incorporated. “In the past, we have submitted amendments only to find that key recommendations were missing despite commitments that they would be included,” she said.
Rehman reiterated that the PPP would carefully examine any revised version of the legislation when it is brought before the committee and later the Senate, maintaining that parliamentary oversight and consensus-building remain essential prerequisites for the passage of any telecom or digital infrastructure-related law. She said the party looked forward to reviewing an amended draft in the committee process and reaffirmed that the Senate and its standing committees are the proper constitutional forums for resolving outstanding concerns and building consensus on legislation with far-reaching implications.
