Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima has said the government is working on additional cable routes to strengthen Pakistan’s international internet connectivity. She made the remarks while addressing the Asia Pacific Telecommunity Symposium.
She also highlighted progress on digital inclusion. According to the GSMA, Pakistan has made the fastest headway in narrowing the gender digital divide.
Three New Submarine Cables in Two and a Half Years
The minister said that three new submarine internet cables have landed in Pakistan over the past two and a half years. Work on further routes is continuing to improve the country’s global links.
She added that the Prime Minister chairs a review of the national connectivity plan every 15 days, which keeps the project under regular top-level scrutiny.
Fibre Broadband and Mobile Tower Expansion
Shaza Fatima said more than 17,000 kilometres of optical fibre have been laid under the Universal Service Fund. The number of fibre broadband home passes in Pakistan has also gone beyond five million.
Mobile towers are also being connected to fibre. According to the minister, fibreization has crossed 19 percent, and the government aims to raise it to 60 percent.
5G Rollout Depends on Fibre
Pakistan introduced 5G after an auction of 480 MHz of spectrum in March 2026. The minister said that linking mobile towers to optical fibre is essential for 5G services to work properly, which is why tower fibreization remains a priority for Pakistan’s internet connectivity plans.
Fuel Subsidy Reached Over 10 Million People
The minister also spoke about digital service delivery. More than 10 million people in Pakistan received fuel subsidies through technology, she said, and owning a smartphone was not a condition for getting the subsidy.