Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja has announced that Pakistan will deploy three new submarine internet cables to strengthen international connectivity and significantly improve nationwide internet speeds.
Addressing the media, the minister stressed that the initiative goes beyond faster browsing and streaming, saying:
“This is not just about faster internet, it’s about opening new frontiers for innovation, investment, and inclusion.”
She added that expanding digital infrastructure is central to Pakistan’s future progress, economic growth, and competitiveness on the global stage.
Bandwidth Expansion
The Ministry of IT confirmed that the upcoming submarine cable systems will expand Pakistan’s bandwidth capacity and reduce dependence on existing cables that have been prone to outages, such as AAE-1 and SMW-4.
Pakistan is also actively participating in major global subsea projects, including:
- 2Africa, which landed in Karachi in late 2024 and is set to go live by the end of 2025, offering a massive 180 Tbps capacity.
- Africa-1, PEACE, and MGG-1, expected to collectively contribute more than 26 Tbps of additional bandwidth.
Officials said the largest of the new cable systems is scheduled to be operational before the end of 2025.
Spectrum Expansion for 5G
In parallel with submarine cable projects, the government is preparing to double the internet spectrum available to mobile operators. This expansion is aimed at supporting the rollout of 5G services and accommodating rising data consumption across the country.
The spectrum enhancement is expected to launch in line with the new cable systems, ensuring seamless integration with upcoming digital services.
Rapid Growth in Internet Usage
Pakistan’s internet landscape has witnessed a surge in recent years:
- More than 10 million new mobile users joined in the past year, taking total mobile subscriptions to over 200 million.
- Internet usage has grown by 25% in just two years.
- Importantly, 8 million women came online for the first time, marking a significant step toward bridging the gender digital divide.
Challenges in Connectivity
Despite progress, Pakistan continues to grapple with connectivity issues. In 2024, the country recorded an estimated Rs. 450 billion in financial losses due to internet disruptions — the highest in the world that year.
A nationwide internet shutdown during the February 2024 general elections delayed result transmission, sparking concerns about transparency and raising questions over the stability of digital infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
With the launch of new submarine cables and spectrum expansion for 5G, Pakistan is set to make a major leap in digital capacity. The government views these projects as crucial not only for improving service reliability but also for enabling innovation, attracting investment, and expanding opportunities in the digital economy.
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