Pakistan is working on additional international cable routes to expand internet connectivity, Federal IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Tuesday at the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Symposium in Islamabad.
Internet connectivity push
The minister said three new submarine internet cables have landed in Pakistan over the past two and a half years, and work is under way on further routes. Over 17,000 km of optical fibre has been laid under the Universal Service Fund, and fibre broadband home passes now exceed 5 million.
Fibreisation of mobile towers has crossed 19%, with a target of 60%, which is essential for 5G rollout. A March 2026 auction of 480 MHz of spectrum paved the way for 5G services.
Plan reviewed every 15 days
Progress on the national connectivity plan is reviewed every 15 days under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister. The minister also said Pakistan has made rapid progress in narrowing the gender digital divide, citing GSMA, and that more than 10 million people received fuel subsidies through technology without needing a smartphone.
