NHA Executive Board Grants Approval for NOCs to Lay Optical Fiber Cables in Right of Way (RoW)

Islamabad: According to a source on November 1, the National Highway Authority (NHA) Executive Board has approved the issuing of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for laying Optical Fiber Cables (OFC) in Right of Way (RoW).

According to the information provided, the NHA has set prices for deploying optical fiber and other digital infrastructure along the RoW, working with a committee chaired by the cabinet secretary and selected by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SFIC) Executive Committee.

In contrast to Pakistan Railways’ suggested tariff of PKR 240 per meter, the authorized rate for laying OFC is set at PKR 30 per meter, which is in line with the fees assessed by the NHA.

The requirements for providing free NOCs to charity and non-profit institutions like trusts, foundations, masjids/madaris, etc., have been specified in official papers. These organizations must submit pertinent documentation attesting to their status as charitable or non-profit organizations.

Before providing an accessible NOC, the Board has stipulated that all technical conditions be fulfilled.