Pakistan is moving forward with an ambitious plan to strengthen its digital infrastructure by setting up new submarine cable landing stations beyond Karachi, aiming to diversify internet connectivity and encourage foreign investment. At present, all seven existing submarine cables land in Karachi, but with three additional cables expected soon, officials have confirmed that alternatives are being considered in Gwadar and other coastal areas to reduce reliance on a single hub. This expansion is seen as essential for long-term network resilience and capacity building.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima shared that Pakistan’s IT exports have now reached $3.8 billion, though industry estimates suggest the true figure could be nearly double. She noted that freelancers account for a significant share of these earnings, making them a crucial force in the digital economy. To accelerate growth, the government has launched multiple initiatives under the Digital Nation Pakistan program and established the Pakistan Digital Authority. Among the flagship projects is DigiSkills, which has already trained 300,000 individuals in freelancing and digital skills, with another 300,000 currently being trained. In collaboration with major technology partners including Huawei and Google, the government intends to train one million people in the coming years. Shaza Fatima emphasized that every child in Pakistan should have access to high-speed internet, stating her belief that within three to four years the country will achieve full digital transformation.
The government is also focusing on improving digital infrastructure, particularly through fiberization. Currently, only 14 percent of telecom towers are fiber-connected, while regional demand requires over 50 percent. High Right of Way (RoW) charges and lengthy approval processes have slowed progress, but recent reforms are addressing these hurdles. The Capital Development Authority has abolished RoW charges, and a fast-track approval portal has been launched. The Prime Minister’s Office has directed both the National Highway Authority and Pakistan Railways to waive RoW charges, clearing the way for faster fiber expansion.
To diversify internet access further, regulatory bodies including Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Pakistan Space Activity Regulatory Board are working on frameworks to enable satellite internet. International consultants are assisting in simplifying licensing, and regulations are expected to be finalized soon. Several companies from the US, China, and other countries have already submitted applications to provide satellite internet services in Pakistan. Currently, 98 percent of users depend on mobile broadband and Wi-Fi, with only 2 percent connected through fiber. The government’s target is to increase fiberization to between 40 and 60 percent in the coming years. By addressing policy bottlenecks, introducing redundancy through new submarine cable landing stations, and attracting private sector participation, Pakistan aims to establish itself as a competitive digital hub in the region.
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