01/08/2026
Holds Third Consultative Session on Proposed Right-of-Way Legal Framework for Infrastructure
The National Grid Company of Pakistan (NGC) held its third consultative to deliberate on the development of a modern legal framework governing Right-of-Way ( ) for high-voltage electricity transmission in Pakistan.
The session brought together officers from across NGC’s formations, both in person and virtually, to share field experiences and provide practical input on the legal, operational, and administrative challenges in securing Right-of-Way for transmission projects. The focused on identifying reforms that would facilitate timely project implementation while ensuring transparency, legal certainty, and of landowners’ rights.
NGC’s Legal Consultant, Dr. Daud Munir, presented the proposed RoW , outlining the shortcomings of the existing legal regime, which currently relies on fragmented legislation that no longer adequately addresses the requirements of modern transmission infrastructure. He explained that the proposed framework seeks to strengthen the existing legal regime through targeted legislative amendments, rather than replacing it, by introducing a clearer and more enabling framework for Right-of-Way for high-voltage lines.
Dr. Munir highlighted the key features of the proposed framework, including clearer provisions for land surveys, landowner engagement and consent, fair and transparent compensation, administrative facilitation, maintenance access, and dispute resolution. Drawing on international best practices and stakeholder feedback, he emphasized that the proposed framework seeks to balance the public interest in expanding ’s transmission network with the rights of affected . He further noted that the framework adopts a consent-based approach as the default mechanism, while providing appropriate legal processes to address where consent cannot be obtained.
In his closing remarks, Engr. Altaf Hussain Malik, Managing Director, NGC, appreciated Dr. Daud Munir for developing the draft framework and commended Ms. Maria Rafique, Chief and Officer, along with her team, for their efforts in leading the consultation process. He emphasized the importance of finalizing the proposed framework following consultations to support the timely implementation of ongoing and future transmission projects and to establish a transparent, equitable, and legally robust Right-of-Way regime for Pakistan’s transmission sector.
