National Assembly Approves Telecom Amendment Bill With Changes to 5G Dispute Rules
The National Assembly has passed the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-Organization) Amendment Bill 2025 with a majority vote during a session chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. The bill was presented by Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
During the session, lawmakers also approved an amendment moved by government representative Huma Akhtar Chughtai. However, she was unable to fully explain the details of her amendment on the floor of the House, after which the IT Minister briefed members on its key provisions.
One of the important changes relates to the retirement age of an Appellate Tribunal judge. According to officials, the adjustment has been made to improve administrative efficiency within the legal and regulatory framework.
In a separate development, amendments proposed by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Syed Naveed Qamar were also approved. He highlighted potential challenges in the installation of fiber-optic infrastructure required for 5G rollout, particularly concerning Right of Way (RoW) permissions.
Under the revised rules, the authority to resolve RoW-related disputes will be given to provincial and local governments. The amendments also introduce a clearer framework for penalties, aimed at ensuring consistency and transparency in enforcement.
Officials say the changes are intended to streamline regulatory processes and support the development of next-generation telecom infrastructure in the country.
