The government has pledged to address concerns over the Pakistan Telecommunication Amendment Bill, with Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar assuring lawmakers that amendments are being considered to remove ambiguities and protect private property rights.
The assurance came during an in-camera meeting on the proposed legislation chaired by the law minister.
Speaking after the meeting, Tarar said objections raised to the bill were part of the democratic process and would be resolved through consultations. He acknowledged that some provisions of the proposed law had drawn criticism in the relevant standing committee and said discussions were continuing to build consensus.
The minister rejected concerns that the legislation would allow authorities or telecom operators to occupy private property for the installation of telecommunications infrastructure.
"I want to clarify that there is no intention to occupy private property or install towers on private land without consent," he said, adding that further clarification would be incorporated into the law to address public concerns.
Tarar said no individual's property or privacy would be affected under the proposed framework and assured that telecom companies would not be permitted to undertake activities on private property without the owner's permission.
He said the legislation was necessary to support digital development and improve connectivity across the country, arguing that barriers to the growth of the IT, broadband and artificial intelligence sectors needed to be removed.
The law minister said expanding digital infrastructure was essential to connect the younger generation with emerging technologies and boost exports.
He said the government was committed to removing all reservations about the bill by addressing ambiguities and ensuring full protection of private property rights.
"The purpose of the legislation is to provide convenience and facilitate development, not to affect private rights," Tarar said.