Pakistan is entering a decisive phase in its push toward digitally enabled governance as it prepares to expand high speed broadband nationwide through the National Fiberisation Plan. The programme seeks to provide 100 Mbps fixed broadband to 10 million households by 2029 and move Pakistan into the top 50 countries on the global speed index. Policymakers view this as an opportunity to strengthen the public sector’s digital service delivery and improve access for both citizens and businesses. Yet, several structural challenges continue to slow progress. Limited fibre density, uneven long haul networks, high deployment costs and concerns regarding spectrum management remain major barriers. Experts caution that the success of the plan will depend on coordinated investment and policy alignment, since Pakistan’s current connectivity gaps restrict its ability to support large scale digital transformation.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication is leading the initiative in partnership with the World Bank under the Digital Economy Enhancement Project. A key goal of the project is to improve the government’s ability to deliver modern, technology enabled services while expanding the country’s digital infrastructure. The plan includes 80 percent fiberisation of mobile towers to improve network performance and support 4G densification and future 5G coverage. To move forward, the ministry is in the process of hiring a consultancy firm that will propose investment strategies within the existing policy framework. The roadmap will also guide the use of Administrative Incentive Pricing as a tool to encourage effective spectrum utilisation and promote fibre deployment for backhaul and middle mile connectivity, while clarifying how fibre and spectrum complement one another in long haul and last mile systems.
Industry specialists say demand for fast and stable internet has increased sharply across commercial centres and residential localities. Fibre optic infrastructure expert Syed Muhammad Taha Owais explained that Pakistan’s internet speeds rank among the lowest globally because of outdated networks and slow uptake of fibre to the home. He stressed the need for both public and private sector engagement to accelerate fibre deployment and support the country’s shift toward digital services. Owais, who serves as a senior official at Optix Pakistan, noted that improved fibre penetration in commercial zones has already led to better performance for businesses and strengthened demand for advanced broadband solutions. Pakistan currently has more than 211,000 kilometres of optical fibre in place, including nearly 76,000 kilometres of long haul links and over 135,000 kilometres of metro fibre, but experts agree that deeper expansion is required to meet national goals.
IT exporter Dr Noman A Said added that fibre infrastructure is essential for creating a data driven, cloud supported economy. He stated that startups, smart city projects and digital services rely entirely on the availability of robust fibre networks. According to him, deep fibre rollout is crucial if Pakistan intends to build an AI capable and cloud powered ecosystem. He identified several core challenges that must be addressed, including fragmented infrastructure, high capital costs, low FTTH adoption, spectrum inefficiencies and the need for better deep sea fibre connectivity. Cybersecurity remains a central concern as Pakistan prepares for larger digital systems.
Another IT exporter, Saad Shah, remarked that stronger internet capability enhances Pakistan’s image as a dependable outsourcing destination, benefiting national digitisation and export growth. He noted that improved connectivity, supported by consistent policy action, will help the country achieve smooth digital transition. Shah also acknowledged that the resolution of long standing right of way issues has created a more predictable environment for broadband expansion. The National Fiberisation Plan is expected to play a key role in supporting Pakistan’s broader economic objectives by promoting reliable, high speed internet at affordable cost while strengthening the foundations needed for a modern digital society.
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