THERE is now no question about it: the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill of 2026 is a poorly written document at best, and a grossly negligent attempt at legislation at worst. The controversy it has unleashed has reached a point where the government’s key partner in its legislative agenda, the PPP, is refusing to approve it before it undergoes a thorough discussion in the relevant Senate Standing Committee. The dispute arose after it emerged that the Senate had received a version of the bill which still included problematic clauses that had been previously identified by lawmakers for removal. It is surprising, given the extent of controversy regarding the text, that the bill even got that far. It is a poor reflection on the National Assembly that it was passed by the Lower House without even a basic level of scrutiny. Have our lawmakers become so complacent about their jobs that they no longer reflect on proposed legislation beyond giving it the most cursory of looks?

The bill, in its current form, gives extraordinary powers to telecommunication companies that could potentially override property and personal rights when disputes arise. The government tried over the weekend to clarify that its intent was solely to promote the ease of doing business in the telecom sector, but its explanations did not help. There were multiple discrepancies between what the government said the bill would do and what the text of the bill actually states. As just one example, the ministry’s reassurance that fines will only apply to contract-breakers is not what the text says. The bill says the relevant government can fine an owner, lessee, tenant, or entity up to Rs50m for “obstructing or delaying” the grant of access rights under Section 27A. “Obstructing or delaying” is not the same as breaching a contract. Such discrepancies call for greater scrutiny, as telecommunication companies and their lawyers will insist on the letter of the law when disputes with property owners inevitably arise. It is understandable that the government wants to promote and support the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure across the country, but it cannot do so by force. This bill must be thoroughly vetted to protect the rights of those it will affect, and that process must begin with the government reconciling what it claims the law means with what the law actually says.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2026