Islamabad (HRNW)- Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has said that the proposed Telecom Bill is being developed through consensus and does not authorize the government to take over anyone’s private land. She added that legal action could be taken against those making baseless financial allegations regarding the bill.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Islamabad alongside Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, Shaza Fatima said it was important to inform both the public and Parliament about the objectives of the Telecom Bill. She explained that the existing telecom law is outdated and no longer meets the country’s modern digital needs, while the new legislation aims to improve internet services in line with the Prime Minister’s vision.
She said that, as IT Minister, it is her responsibility to ensure the provision of high-speed internet across Pakistan. According to her, the bill remained in the National Assembly for six months before being referred to a Senate committee, describing the parliamentary review process as part of a healthy democratic system.
The minister rejected claims that the bill would allow the government to occupy private property, calling the criticism and allegations against her and the IT Secretary misleading. She said she had requested the Prime Minister to investigate the allegations and maintained that both she and the IT Secretary reserve the legal right to pursue action against false financial accusations.
Shaza Fatima also highlighted that Pakistan had conducted what she described as the world’s largest spectrum auction and reiterated that the legislation is being finalized through consultation and consensus.
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar also rejected claims that the bill would permit the occupation of private property, saying the impression created in parts of the media was incorrect.
He said the committee reviewing the legislation found no evidence supporting allegations of financial gain involving the IT Ministry, and noted that the National Assembly passed the bill after incorporating six amendments.
The Law Minister added that the legislation is intended to facilitate improved internet connectivity, particularly for freelancers, women, and young professionals working from home. He clarified that housing societies often create obstacles after signing agreements for telecom infrastructure, and emphasized that permission from property owners remains mandatory before laying fiber-optic cables through private land.
According to Azam Nazeer Tarar, any citizen who refuses permission to use their private property for internet infrastructure has the legal right to do so, and the proposed Telecom Bill does not authorize the government to forcefully use private land.
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