ISLAMABAD, July 5 (Alliance News): Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima has clarified that the proposed Telecom Bill will not allow the government or telecom operators to forcibly occupy private land or property, dismissing allegations surrounding the legislation as baseless.
Addressing a joint press conference with Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Shaza Fatima said accusations of financial irregularities and favoritism in the Telecom Bill were unfounded.
She added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had been requested to order an inquiry into the allegations to ensure complete transparency.
The minister said the primary objective of the new Telecom Bill is to improve the availability of high-speed internet across Pakistan through a consensus-based legislative process.
She emphasized that the government remains committed to expanding digital connectivity while safeguarding the rights of citizens.
Speaking on the occasion, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the laying of fiber-optic infrastructure through private property would require the prior consent of the property owner.
He noted that the Pakistan Telecommunication Act Amendment Bill had been approved with six amendments after extensive deliberations.
Tarar further said the parliamentary committee reviewing the legislation found no evidence that the bill was designed to benefit any specific company.
He added that the committee had directed all shortcomings in the draft legislation to be addressed before its final approval.
