MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has waived right of way (ROW) charges for IT-related infrastructure and introduced a one-window mechanism for issuance of no-objection certificates (NOCs) for installation of telecom towers and fibre deployment, in a move aimed at facilitating rapid development of digital connectivity across the region.

According to an official notification issued by the Information and IT secretariat in pursuance of a decision taken at the 37th cabinet meeting held on January 28, 2026, the government accorded approval for a set of measures to promote fibreisation and expansion of information technology infrastructure in the state.

Under the decision, ROW charges previously being levied by various departments and public bodies for installation of IT-related infrastructure have been waived.

The waiver applies to the Communication and Works Department, Local Government and Rural DevelopmentDepartment and municipal authorities, Physical Planning and Housing Department and development authorities, Energy and Water Resources Department, Board of Revenue in respect of government (Khalsa) lands, and the Forests Department.

In addition, the government has established a one-window facility, both manual and online, for processing applications and issuing NOCs for base transceiver station (BTS) installation and fibre deployment.

As per the notified mechanism, applications will be submitted to the office of the concerned deputy commissioner along with a complete deployment plan, layout map and cost estimates for restoration of any damaged infrastructure under the Market Rate System (MRS).

The deputy commissioner will convene a joint meeting of all relevant departments to seek their reports and objections, particularly regarding restoration costs. A maximum timeframe of 15 days has been fixed for issuance of the NOC. Failure by any department to submit objections within the stipulated period will be treated as a deemed NOC to that extent, and the certificate will be issued accordingly.

The restoration cost of infrastructure will be determined on market rates by the concerned department, agency or applicant, and will be paid in advance by the operator after issuance of the NOC but prior to commencement of work, into the account of the relevant department. The payment will remain subject to final determination by a grievance redressal committee.

The notification also provides for constitution of a grievance redressal committee headed by the concerned deputy commissioner and comprising representatives of all relevant departments to resolve disputes of telecom operators regarding restoration charges. The committee has been directed to decide such cases within one week.

Deputy commissioners have been tasked with ensuring smooth execution of the approved works, reflecting the government’s intent to streamline procedures and remove administrative bottlenecks in the expansion of digital infrastructure across the territory.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2026