The federal government has proposed sweeping changes to Pakistan’s telecom laws aimed at accelerating network expansion and strengthening oversight of regulators and state-run institutions.

If approved, the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) (Amendment) Act, 2026, would allow telecom companies to deploy fiber cables and mobile towers faster across urban and rural areas.

The amendments aim to reduce bureaucratic delays while enhancing governance of key bodies like the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and the National Telecommunication Corporation (NTC).

Under the proposed law, the federal government would determine the remuneration of PTA chairman and members while bringing the regulator’s financial operations under the Public Finance Management Act.

Strengthening Right of Way rules forms a key part of the legislation, granting licensed operators clear legal access to public and private land for infrastructure deployment.

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The amendments introduce automatic approval for access after 21 days if no response is received, ban charges for land use, and restrict withdrawal of legally granted access.

To resolve disputes efficiently, the law sets up an enforcement system with fixed timelines and fines of up to one million rupees for obstruction of access.

The NTC will be reformed by aligning it with the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance and Operations) Act, 2023, introducing independent board members, female representation, and clearer role separation.

A statutory managing director position will be created at NTC with defined tenure, performance review, accountability requirements, and transparent competitive selection under the amended law.

The government says the proposed amendments will accelerate digital infrastructure development, enhance institutional governance, and support sustainable, long-term growth of Pakistan’s digital economy and telecom services sector.