The Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) has welcomed the government’s decision to waive Right of Way (ROW) charges on IT and telecom infrastructure projects, including nationwide fibre deployment. The move, approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and implemented through the National Highway Authority (NHA) and Ministry of Railways, is seen as a major step toward expanding affordable digital connectivity.
WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad described the decision as a “visionary step” that will accelerate broadband rollout, especially in underserved and rural regions. He noted that high ROW costs had long been a barrier to connectivity, inflating operational expenses for service providers and limiting affordable internet access for consumers.
The association praised the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication (MOITT) for aligning Pakistan’s digital infrastructure policies with global best practices. “Countries such as India, Bangladesh, and several EU states have already removed excessive ROW charges to support nationwide fibreisation. Pakistan’s move now brings us in line with international benchmarks,” Arshad said.
At the same time, WISPAP called for further reforms, including the removal of the 19.5% provincial sales tax on internet services in Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Arshad stressed that eliminating this tax would provide direct relief to households, students, and businesses, helping unlock the full potential of e-learning, freelancing, and e-commerce.
Reaffirming support for the government’s Digital Pakistan initiative, WISPAP said that combining ROW waivers with broader tax reforms could significantly strengthen Pakistan’s digital economy and global competitiveness.
