Pakistan is setting an ambitious course to revolutionize its digital infrastructure by extending fiber-optic connectivity to 7.5 million households and achieving 80 percent fiber-to-the-site (FTTS) coverage within the next five years. This aggressive digital expansion is part of the National Fiberization Policy currently in the pipeline, spearheaded by MoITT. The initiative is integral to the broader Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP), which aims to create a resilient, high-speed broadband ecosystem across the country.
At the heart of this vision lies a concerted effort to modernize Pakistan’s fixed broadband infrastructure and raise the national average download speed to 60 Mbps. This will not only bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas but also enable the country to leap into the era of next-generation technologies, including 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT). A dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) is being hired to oversee the policy’s formulation and implementation. Once in place, the PMU will launch a competitive selection process to engage a consultancy firm tasked with shaping the policy’s technical and economic contours. The policy is designed to tackle some of the chronic challenges that have hindered large-scale fiber deployment in the past. Chief among these are the high costs of laying fiber-optic networks, regulatory hurdles, and inconsistent right-of-way (RoW) procedures across provinces. The new framework proposes rationalizing RoW fees, standardizing processes, and streamlining approval mechanisms. These reforms aim to accelerate fiber deployment and attract substantial private sector investment by easing operational and financial bottlenecks for telecom providers.
As it stands, Pakistan has around 211,473 kilometers of deployed fiber-optic infrastructure. This includes 75,967 kilometers of long-haul fiber and 135,506 kilometers of metro fiber spread across major cities and regional hubs. However, the current infrastructure is increasingly insufficient to meet the surging demand for high-speed internet and the evolving requirements of digital businesses and smart technologies. The National Fiberization Policy seeks to fill these gaps with a comprehensive, future-ready blueprint that not only increases coverage but also boosts network resilience, particularly in long-haul routes that connect remote and underserved regions. The drafting of the policy is being led by the Telecom Wing of the MoITT in close coordination with key stakeholders such as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and leading telecom operators. A series of consultation phases have been planned to ensure that the policy reflects ground realities and stakeholder inputs. These consultations will address critical aspects like infrastructure sharing, cost-sharing models, and the establishment of a single-window system for faster permissions and project execution.
Importantly, the policy also aims to align with the country’s broader economic goals by encouraging local manufacturing of fiber components and reducing dependence on imports. This push for indigenization not only has economic benefits but also promises to build long-term capacity in Pakistan’s telecom manufacturing ecosystem. With a projected rollout timeline of five years and an expected final draft by the end of the year, the National Fiberization Policy marks a pivotal step in Pakistan’s digital journey. If implemented effectively, it could redefine connectivity standards across the country and position Pakistan as a digital frontrunner in the region. The vision is clear: to deliver fast, reliable, and inclusive internet that empowers citizens, businesses, and government institutions alike in a digitally connected future.
