Chairman of PTA has provided an update to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology regarding progress in strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, with a focus on expanding the fiber optic backbone needed to support the country’s growing demand for high-speed connectivity. He reported that Pakistan currently has 160,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable installed nationwide. However, to accommodate increasing digital activity and ensure high-quality mobile and broadband services, an aggressive expansion initiative is now underway.
The chairman confirmed that three new submarine cables are set to become operational by the end of this year. These international connections are expected to significantly increase available internet bandwidth and help reduce nationwide connectivity issues. By boosting global data capacity, the cables will enhance the stability and speed of internet services used by individuals, businesses, and government platforms.
He also shared that, acting on the Prime Minister’s directive, PTA is preparing a comprehensive National Fiberization Plan. This initiative aims to modernize and scale the country’s fiber optic network to meet current and future digital requirements. The chairman emphasized that the success of 4G and any future network deployments depends heavily on robust fiber infrastructure. Without an adequate fiber backbone, he explained, it is not possible to deliver consistent or reliable 4G service.
A dedicated Fiberization Policy is also being formulated to streamline the development and coordination of fiber optic deployments across provinces and cities. This policy will provide the regulatory framework necessary to support seamless expansion of digital infrastructure, ensuring fiber reach into both urban and rural areas. The PTA chief noted that enabling widespread fiber connectivity will not only strengthen existing networks but also facilitate the introduction of advanced technologies.
The expansion of fiber optic coverage is seen as essential for supporting next-generation telecom capabilities, including 5G, smart cities, and digital governance frameworks. Improved fiber infrastructure will provide the required bandwidth and latency improvements needed to enable these systems. It will also support enterprise-level data use, cloud services, and the growing digital economy by making high-speed internet accessible in more regions.
The PTA chairman’s briefing aligns with national efforts to bridge connectivity gaps and promote inclusive digital development. With enhanced submarine cable capacity and a clear policy direction for fiber deployment, the focus is on building a network capable of supporting future digital transformation across all sectors. This strategy is positioned to ensure that Pakistan’s telecom backbone remains resilient, scalable, and ready to meet the evolving connectivity needs of its population.
