• IT minister says 1996 law no longer meets demands of 5G, modern technology
• Shaza insists legislation intended to modernise telecommunications framework

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Sunday denied allegations that the IT ministry had prepared the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, to provide undue benefit to any individual or company, insisting that the proposed legislation was intended to modernise the country’s outdated telecommunications framework and improve the investment climate.

Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja, addressing a press conference alongside Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, said the proposed bill sought to amend the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) Act, 1996, which no longer adequately addressed the requirements of modern digital technologies.

Highlighting the rationale behind the proposed amendments, she said the existing law was enacted when 2G technology was in use and was no longer sufficient to meet the demands of modern technologies such as 5G and next-generation digital connectivity.

The proposed bill was approved by the National Assembly on June 11. However, a special committee later suggested major changes to its language amid controversy over its multiple clauses.

The minister said the proposed bill was aimed at facilitating investment in Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, expanding high-speed internet access and removing regulatory barriers without compromising citizens’ fundamental rights.

“The nationwide rollout of modern telecommunications services requires extensive infrastructure, including fibre-optic networks, telecom towers, and both underground and overground installations.”

She emphasised that the proposed bill was intended to improve the overall regulatory environment and address long-standing challenges related to the right of way for telecom infrastructure.

Referring to allegations made against her and the IT secretary regarding their financial integrity, the minister said she had requested PM Shehbaz to order a formal inquiry into the matter. “I will fully accept responsibility if any wrongdoing is established through the investigation and will abide by whatever decision the prime minister makes,” the minister maintained.

However, she added that if the allegations were found to be baseless, both she and the IT secretary reserved the right to pursue legal action under the Constitution and relevant laws.

Published in Dawn, July 6th, 2026