Pakistan waives fees on Internet infrastructure rollout, IT minister calls move ‘game changer'
The change was approved by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) board in late July and confirmed in a notification dated Aug. 13, which said the waiver was issued 'in the light of Prime Minister's Directive dated 14-07-2025.'
Analysts say the decision could lower costs for telecom operators and Internet service providers, speeding up broadband rollout in Islamabad and setting a precedent for other parts of the country.
'It has begun! No more barriers to Internet expansion! CDA has removed the right of way charges; next we it'll be major federal entities. Portal already in place! A game changer for Pakistan's broadband situation – reliable affordable #Internet4all!' the federal IT minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja posted on X.
It has begun! No more barriers to internet expansion!
CDA has removed the right of way charges; next we it'll be major federal entities. Portal already in place!
A game changer for Pakistan's broadband situation - reliable affordable #internet4all !#HappyIndependenceDay pic.twitter.com/ijRX0SzSuP
— Shaza Fatima Khawaja (@ShazaFK) August 13, 2025
The CDA order stated: 'The CDA Board has approved the request for non-collection of Right-of-Way (ROW) charges for development/installation of I.T. and I.T. related infrastructure/fiberization in the light of Prime Minister's Directive dated 14-07-2025.'
Pakistan has one of South Asia's fastest-growing Internet user bases, with more than 130 million broadband connections, but access remains uneven. The country has faced frequent mobile Internet shutdowns during protests and political unrest, which rights groups and business associations say disrupt commerce and stifle free expression. Censorship of platforms such as X and YouTube has also been common, raising concerns among investors about regulatory unpredictability.
The government, which is under a $7 billion IMF program approved last year, has pledged to expand broadband penetration and digitize public services as part of wider economic reforms. Officials say reducing costs for infrastructure providers is a step toward more reliable and affordable Internet.
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