Pakistan is preparing for a significant upgrade in digital infrastructure as the government announces plans to deploy three new submarine internet cables. This development is aimed at strengthening connectivity, improving bandwidth capacity, and supporting the country’s upcoming 5G rollout. Federal Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted that these new cables will not only boost internet speed but also enhance service reliability, reduce frequent outages, and create broader economic opportunities for businesses and consumers. According to a statement shared by state broadcaster Radio Pakistan, the expansion will position Pakistan more strongly in global digital networks and lessen dependence on aging subsea systems.
The initiative builds on Pakistan’s active participation in earlier international submarine cable projects. Notably, the 2Africa cable, installed in Karachi in late 2024, is expected to go live by the end of 2025 with a staggering capacity of 180 Tbps. Additional projects such as Africa‑1, PEACE, and MGG‑1 are projected to collectively add over 26 Tbps of bandwidth to the national digital infrastructure. Minister Fatima emphasized that integrating these cables will mitigate recurring challenges linked to older outage-prone systems such as Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) and South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 4 (SMW-4). By diversifying cable landing points and increasing overall capacity, Pakistan can significantly reduce network disruptions and deliver more stable internet experiences to businesses, educational institutions, and households alike.
Industry experts suggest that the expansion of submarine cables will also accelerate the adoption of 5G technology across Pakistan, providing a crucial foundation for digital innovation. Reliable high-speed connectivity is seen as a catalyst for tech startups, e-commerce, and digital services, while also encouraging foreign investment. The government views these enhancements as a core component of its wider digital strategy, aiming to improve service delivery, strengthen regional digital trade, and enable enterprises to scale efficiently in a more connected ecosystem. By proactively expanding its digital backbone, Pakistan is positioning itself as a competitive player in regional and global tech markets.
In addition to technological benefits, the subsea cable projects are expected to unlock economic potential by enabling smoother online operations and fostering digital inclusion across urban and rural areas. Minister Fatima Khawaja emphasized that robust connectivity is fundamental to Pakistan’s digital economy ambitions, which include expanding high-speed internet access, supporting remote work, and facilitating education and skill development initiatives nationwide. With this comprehensive upgrade, Pakistan aims to create a resilient digital infrastructure capable of supporting both domestic and international demands while establishing the country as a significant hub in global internet networks.
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