Govt To Introduce New Telecom Bill After Withdrawing Controversial Draft

Notably, the administration has withdrawn the Pakistan Telecommunication (Reorganization) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during a session of the Senate.

Key points

• The existing bill was passed by the National Assembly on June 11, 2026, and transmitted to the Senate on June 13.
• The Senate record demonstrates that the 90 day period for the existing bill will expire on September 12, 2026.
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif subsequently formed a committee headed by Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar to examine the disputed provisions and develop a consensus based framework.
• The motion to withdraw the bill was moved by Minister of State Talal Chaudhry on behalf of the Minister for Information Technology.
• Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja remarked the administration sought the withdrawal as the bill's 90-day constitutional period was nearing expiry.

Meanwhile, the motion to withdraw the bill was moved by Minister of State Talal Chaudhry on behalf of the Minister for Information Technology.

Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja remarked the administration sought the withdrawal as the bill's 90-day constitutional period was nearing expiry. The move prevents the legislation from automatically proceeding to a joint sitting of Parliament while allowing the administration to introduce revised legislation.

She continued that the administration would incorporate the changes agreed during parliamentary consultations in the new bill.

Notably, the new bill will retain the core objectives of the existing legislation while addressing reservations raised during parliamentary scrutiny. It is additionally anticipated to provide a clearer framework for the deployment and regulation of telecom infrastructure.

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In practice, the existing bill was passed by the National Assembly on June 11, 2026, and transmitted to the Senate on June 13. It was referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication on June 15.

Notably, the legislation became controversial mainly over provisions dealing with the installation, maintenance and repair of telecom infrastructure on private property. The Senate committee triggered concern regarding Right of Way provisions, including access to private property, consent, compensation and protections for property owners.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif subsequently formed a committee headed by Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar to examine the disputed provisions and develop a consensus based framework. The committee included Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Senator Sherry Rehman, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Attorney General Mansoor Awan and relevant experts.

For context, the Senate record demonstrates that the 90 day period for the existing bill will expire on September 12, 2026. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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For now, govt To Introduce New Telecom Bill After Withdrawing Controversial Draft remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.