A 10-member committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reviewed the controversial provisions of the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganization Amendment Bill at Parliament House, as the PPP maintained its objections and demanded changes before the legislation moves forward.
The committee, headed by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, held detailed consultations on the controversial provisions of the bill. However, objections raised by the PPP persisted during the meeting.
The prime minister has given the committee three days to submit its recommendations on the amendment bill.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar clarified that the government has no intention of occupying private property or forcibly installing telecom towers. He said there was never any plan to take over people’s homes or shops, place wires inside private properties, or install towers on them without permission.
“I would like to clarify that there is no intention to occupy private property or install towers,” Tarar said, adding that the bill only needs to be streamlined so the government’s position is stated with clarity.
No action without owner’s permission, says Tarar
After the in-camera meeting, the law minister assured that the proposed law would not affect anyone’s personal property or privacy. He said no tower would be installed on private property and no activity would take place without the permission of the owner.
Tarar said further clarification would be added to the law to address public concerns and remove misunderstandings arising from the bill.
PPP rejects bill in current form
Before the meeting, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman made it clear that her party would not accept the current bill without amendments. She said there would be no compromise on the protection of right of way and private property.
Sherry Rehman also demanded a public hearing on the bill and said no legislation would be approved without detailed discussion in the standing committee.
PPP questions how bill passed NA
PPP MNA Shahida Rahmani said an investigation should be conducted into how the bill was passed by the National Assembly.
She also raised objections to the composition of the 10-member committee, saying those who played a role in drafting or advancing the bill should not influence the review process.
“Our reservations are that those who played their role in making the bill, and then if they come to the committee, the decisions that are made will be affected,” Shahida Rahmani said.
She added that the committee’s decisions could be influenced if members with business links or interests were included instead of parliamentarians representing broader public concerns.
Tarar said objections to some provisions of the bill were part of the democratic process. He said the consultation process was continuing and expressed hope that the matter would be resolved by Tuesday.
According to Tarar, all reservations would be addressed by removing ambiguities in the amendment bill.
Legislation needed for digital growth
The law minister said legislation was essential for digital development and connectivity in Pakistan.
He stated that obstacles must be removed for the growth of IT, broadband and artificial intelligence, adding that such steps were necessary to connect the new generation with information technology and increase exports.
Tarar maintained that the purpose of the law was to provide convenience and improve connectivity, not to affect private rights.
Amendments under consideration
The federal law minister said amendments were being considered to remove misunderstandings and clarify the scope of the bill.
He assured that full protection of private property rights would be ensured and that public concerns would be addressed before the legislation moves ahead.
The committee is expected to finalize its recommendations within the three-day deadline set by the prime minister.
