Pakistan eliminates charges for internet infrastructure establishment, IT minister labels decision as 'revolutionary'
In a significant move to improve Internet accessibility, the Pakistani government has waived Right-of-Way (ROW) charges for the installation of IT and fiber-optic infrastructure in Islamabad. This decision, approved by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and backed by a Prime Minister’s directive, is expected to significantly reduce costs for telecom operators and Internet service providers, speeding up the broadband rollout and making Internet access more affordable and reliable in the capital.
The federal IT minister, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, announced this on platform X, stating that this move is a "game changer" for Pakistan's broadband situation. According to analysts, this decision could lower costs for telecom operators and Internet service providers, enabling quicker and more widespread deployment of infrastructure.
The removal of ROW charges is a positive step towards boosting Internet accessibility and reducing rollout costs for telecom operators. This change could foster faster broadband expansion and digital growth in Pakistan, particularly in Islamabad, where access has been uneven. The move aligns with Pakistan’s broader economic reforms under a $7 billion IMF program focusing on expanding digital services and broadband access, helping digitize public services and promoting affordable Internet for all citizens.
However, challenges such as frequent Internet shutdowns during political unrest and censorship of platforms like X and YouTube persist, posing risks to service reliability and investor confidence. Despite these concerns, analysts predict that the increased private sector investment driven by reduced financial barriers could offset these challenges, leading to improved Internet penetration and digital inclusivity in Islamabad.
With over 130 million broadband connections nationwide, the expansion of broadband in Islamabad could have a significant impact on the digital landscape of Pakistan. The government's move to expand broadband penetration and digitize public services could address concerns about regulatory unpredictability, potentially setting a precedent for other regions in Pakistan.
In conclusion, the elimination of ROW charges is a significant positive step to boost Internet accessibility and reduce rollout costs for telecom operators, fostering faster broadband expansion and digital growth in Pakistan, particularly starting from Islamabad with hopes for nationwide adoption.
[1] Khawaja, S. (2025, July). Removal of ROW Charges for IT Infrastructure in Islamabad. Platform X. [2] Capital Development Authority (CDA) (2025, July). Approval of ROW Charge Waiver for IT and IT-related Infrastructure/Fiberization in Islamabad. [3] Analysts (2025, Aug.). Impact Analysis: Removal of ROW Charges for IT Infrastructure in Islamabad. [4] Fatima, S. (2025, Aug.). Removal of ROW Charges: A Game Changer for Pakistan's Broadband Situation. Platform X. [5] Investment Bodies (2025, Aug.). Statement on ROW Charge Waiver and Its Impact on Private Sector Investment. Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
- The air of innovation expands as the government's decision to eliminate ROW charges for IT infrastructure intertwines with the booming fields of technology, education-and-self-development, and business, paving the way for an enhanced Internet landscape in Pakistan.
- The democratization of digital knowledge and tools is underway as the removal of ROW charges facilitates the broadband expansion, potentially transforming Pakistan's education system and increasing opportunities for self-development.
- Furthermore, the news of reduced costs for telecom operators and Internet service providers due to the elimination of Right-of-Way charges offers an impetus for advancements in technology, helping Pakistan become a fertile ground for business growth and innovation.
