Pakistan has abolished right-of-way charges for installing internet and telecom infrastructure, in what officials called a historic step to improve digital access across the country.
The move, ordered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was confirmed Thursday by the Ministry of Information Technology. The National Highway Authority (NHA), Pakistan Railways, and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) have all issued notifications to implement the policy.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the decision aims to cut costs for telecom operators and investors who have long complained about excessive fees.
“In Pakistan, the charges were 36 rupees per meter on government property and as high as 200 to 400 rupees in private societies,” she told reporters in Islamabad.
“In neighboring countries, it’s just one rupee per meter. That’s why Pakistan is not a business-friendly country.”
Fatima said only 2 percent of Pakistan’s population currently uses fiber optic internet, with 98 percent relying on wireless broadband. Even that small share, she added, includes the industrial sector.
“Fiber optic internet has become a privilege here,” she said. “We want to increase fiber connectivity of towers from 14 percent to 60 percent within the next three years.”
The government has also launched an online portal for approvals and permits for new fiber networks.
Telecom operators and industry groups welcomed the step. Mobile companies said it answered a long-standing demand and would help attract foreign investment.
Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association (WISPAP) Chairman Shahzad Arshad praised the decision but urged the government to also cut internet taxes.
“This is a welcome development,” he said. “The waiver of right-of-way charges is historic, but further relief is needed to ensure affordability.”
Officials said the measure is expected to make internet services cheaper and extend coverage to remote areas.
Fatima compared the situation to traffic on an undersized road. “If we run eight lanes of traffic on a two-lane road, there will be a block,” she said. “That’s exactly what has happened with the internet in Pakistan.”
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