The arrival of the Africa-2 Cable Project in Pakistan has marked a significant milestone in enhancing the country’s internet infrastructure. Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima, shared this update in the National Assembly on Monday while addressing concerns about persistent internet issues and the digital divide. The Africa-2 Cable, the world’s largest submarine cable, promises to bring transformative improvements to Pakistan’s connectivity landscape.
The announcement came during a parliamentary session where Senator Mohammad Aslam Abro criticized the government for its inability to address technical internet problems, despite global advancements in digital infrastructure. He proposed that the issue of frequent internet disruptions should be referred to a parliamentary committee for thorough review and resolution.
In her response, Shaza Fatima detailed the government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s digital framework. She highlighted that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) had doubled its frequency capacity in the last two years to accommodate growing demand. Additionally, she pointed to a 33% increase in IT exports over the past five months and a 25% rise in internet users, suggesting positive trends in the sector despite ongoing challenges.
Pakistan’s internet connectivity currently relies on eight submarine cables, one of which has exceeded its operational lifespan. Shaza Fatima expressed optimism that the newly installed Africa-2 Cable—a 45,000-kilometer undersea network spanning 33 countries—would address many of the existing issues. The cable is expected to significantly enhance internet capacity, reduce latency, and improve the reliability of connections nationwide. She acknowledged, however, that the majority of disruptions were rooted in mobile broadband services, highlighting the need for broader reforms.
The session also touched on broader issues in spectrum management. Senator Anusha Rehman voiced concerns about insufficient consultation regarding spectrum allocations, noting that effective management could attract greater investment in the telecommunications sector. In response, Shaza Fatima conceded that mobile sector development had seen slower progress in recent years. She revealed that PTA had engaged U.S.-based consultants to design updated policies, aligning Pakistan with international best practices. She also referenced global trends where countries provide spectrum at minimal cost to foster digital growth.
The discussion extended to the ambitious $10 billion IT export target set by Pakistan. Senator Zeeshan Khanzada expressed doubts about achieving this goal, citing political instability as a key barrier. Shaza Fatima responded by questioning the basis of earlier projections and highlighting issues such as the misuse of the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) for real estate purposes rather than its intended focus on technological advancement. She emphasized the need for transparency and a clear policy framework to drive genuine progress in the IT sector.
The parliamentary session concluded with calls for comprehensive reforms and strategic investments to address Pakistan’s digital challenges. The arrival of the Africa-2 Cable Project stands as a beacon of hope, symbolizing potential solutions to the country’s connectivity issues and paving the way for a more robust IT ecosystem. While significant hurdles remain, the focus on infrastructure upgrades, spectrum management, and policy reforms suggests a commitment to leveraging technology for economic growth and improved governance.
