ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja has said the proposed Telecom Bill does not allow the government or any company to take over private land or property without permission.
Speaking at a press conference alongside Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, she rejected claims of financial wrongdoing and other concerns raised about the draft law, calling them baseless.
Khawaja said the legislation is aimed at expanding high speed internet access across the country. She added that the bill is being prepared through consultation and consensus among stakeholders.
She also said the government has requested a prime minister led inquiry into allegations linked to the proposed law. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said that permission from property owners will be required before installing fibre optic cables on private land. He added that the bill has already gone through six amendments.
Tarar said a parliamentary committee reviewed the legislation and found no evidence that it was designed to benefit any specific company. He added that lawmakers have directed the government to address remaining concerns before further progress on the bill.
