ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has announced the abolition of Right of Way (ROW) fees imposed on the installation of internet and telecom networks across the country. The decision is being described as a major step towards the vision of ‘Digital Pakistan’. This move will make network installation easier and cheaper for telecom companies and investors.
Fee details and benefits of the new move
According to Federal Minister for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the decision is part of the National Fiberization Plan launched under the Ministry of IT. The aim of this project is to ensure the provision of high-speed and cheap internet to remote and rural areas of the country.
Shaza Fatima Khawaja said that earlier in Pakistan, a fee of Rs 36 per meter was charged on government lands and Rs 200 to Rs 400 per meter in private housing societies. He said that this fee was much higher than that of neighboring countries, where the same fee is only Rs 1 per meter. That is why Pakistan was not considered very suitable for investment.
Support of key institutions and implementation of the new policy
Various government institutions have also issued notifications in support of this new policy. These include the National Highway Authority (NHA), Pakistan Railways and the Capital Development Authority (CDA). These institutions have shown their willingness to implement this decision, which is expected to open new avenues of investment in the telecom sector.
The decision will not only improve internet access but also promote the installation of fiber optic networks, which will strengthen the digital infrastructure in the country. It is expected that this will also create new business and job opportunities in Pakistan.
