ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Thursday passed the Pakistan Telecommunication Re-Organization (Amendment) Bill 2025, introducing key changes related to telecommunications regulation, dispute resolution mechanisms, and the appellate tribunal framework.
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja presented the bill in the House, where it was approved along with several amendments proposed by lawmakers from both the treasury and opposition benches.
An amendment moved by ruling party member Huma Akhtar Chughtai was passed by a majority vote. Later, the IT minister explained that the amendment revises the retirement age limit for judges serving on the Appellate Tribunal.
The House also approved three amendments proposed by Pakistan Peoples Party leader Syed Naveed Qamar.
Speaking during the proceedings, Naveed Qamar said disputes could emerge over right-of-way permissions required for laying 5G fiber-optic infrastructure across the country. He proposed that provincial and relevant governments be given authority to address and resolve such disputes.
The approved amendments also introduce limits on penalties that may be imposed in relation to the resolution of right-of-way disputes.
The legislation is aimed at updating Pakistan’s telecommunications regulatory framework as the country prepares for the expansion of next-generation digital infrastructure, including 5G networks and fiber-optic connectivity.
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