Pakistan Approves Telecom Reform Bill Allowing Nationwide Optical Fiber Expansion
Islamabad:** The National Assembly of Pakistan has approved a key amendment bill allowing licensed mobile phone and telecommunications companies to lay optical fiber cables anywhere in the country. The bill has now been forwarded to the Senate for further approval.
According to the Pakistan Telecommunication Reorganization Amendment Bill, private property owners and government institutions will be required to provide space for telecommunications infrastructure development.
The legislation states that individuals, tenants, or public and private organizations who refuse to provide land or space for laying optical fiber or installing telecom towers may face a penalty of up to Rs50 million.
The move is aimed at accelerating the expansion of digital infrastructure and improving connectivity across Pakistan, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
Officials say the new legal framework will support faster rollout of high-speed internet services and strengthen the country’s telecommunications network, enabling improved access for both urban and rural populations.
