The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication has confirmed that Pakistan will soon be linked to three new submarine cables, marking a significant upgrade to the country’s connectivity infrastructure. Officials disclosed this update during a session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology chaired by Syed Aminul Haque. They explained that formal agreements for these cables have already been finalized and the first connections are expected to come online within the next 12 to 18 months. The new cables are intended to provide direct connections to Europe, reducing dependence on existing limited routes and improving the overall quality of service for users nationwide.
IT Secretary Zarrar Hasham Khan informed the committee that the submarine cable projects will substantially increase Pakistan’s bandwidth capacity, strengthen redundancy, and help create a more stable internet environment for individuals, businesses, and public institutions alike. He stressed that with the current heavy reliance on a small number of links, any disruption can lead to nationwide slowdowns or outages. By introducing three additional systems, the ministry expects not only to reduce vulnerabilities but also to provide faster and more reliable internet access to meet growing digital demands.
Committee members raised questions about current internet service quality. Sadiq Memon in particular asked about persistent issues faced by users in different regions. Ministry representatives responded that the upcoming cables are a key part of a broader plan to address such long-term connectivity challenges. They highlighted that the new links will enable Pakistan to diversify international gateways, ensuring that outages or capacity constraints on one route do not cripple services across the country. According to the ministry, the combined effect of these cables will be a noticeable improvement in speed, latency, and resilience, which is essential for the country’s expanding digital economy.
Officials also told the committee that the submarine cable projects align with national priorities for upgrading ICT infrastructure and promoting digital transformation. They noted that enhanced connectivity will benefit everything from e-commerce and fintech to online education, healthcare, and government services. By strengthening international bandwidth, Pakistan can support its growing base of tech startups, exporters, and IT service providers that rely heavily on uninterrupted global connectivity. The ministry assured lawmakers that timelines have been set with partner companies and the projects are on track to be implemented within the specified window. This assurance comes as demand for high-speed internet continues to rise, making robust international links a critical element of Pakistan’s technology and communications strategy.
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