THERE is now no question about it: the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organisation) (Amendment) Bill of 2026 is a poorly written document at best, and a grossly negligent attempt at legislation at worst. The controversy it has unleashed has reached a point where the government’s key partner in its legislative agenda, the PPP, is refusing to approve it before it undergoes a thorough discussion in the relevant Senate Standing Committee. The dispute arose after it emerged that the Senate had received a version of the bill which still included problematic clauses that had been previously identified by lawmakers for removal. It is surprising, given the extent of controversy regarding the text, that the bill even got that far. It is a poor reflection on the National Assembly that it was passed by the Lower House without even a basic level of scrutiny. Have our lawmakers become so complacent about their jobs that they no longer reflect on proposed legislation beyond giving it the most cursory of looks?
Published: June 24, 2026 12:35 am
Source: Dawn — Read original