Islamabad, Feb 22: Pakistan has made a significant leap in its digital transformation with the successful landing of the ultra-high-capacity Africa-1 submarine cable at the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) landing site at Sea View Beach, Karachi. This milestone strengthens the country’s telecommunications infrastructure, positioning it as a crucial node in the global digital network.
The Africa-1 submarine cable system, spanning 10,000 kilometers, will link Pakistan to key locations including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, France, Kenya, and Djibouti. PTCL’s participation in the Africa-1 consortium marks its fifth submarine cable system, further enhancing its capability to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity and greater network redundancy.
Speaking at the landing event, Syed Muhammad Shoaib, Group VP of International Business at PTCL, highlighted the importance of the project in fulfilling Pakistan’s Digital Pakistan 2030 vision. He noted that the cable will serve as a vital link between Pakistan and major global digital hubs, bringing faster internet speeds and improved reliability. Other international telecom giants, including Etisalat UAE, Mobily, G42 Telecom, Telecom Egypt, Zain Oman International (ZOI), Algérie Télécom, and TeleYemen, are key stakeholders in the project.
PTCL’s Group VP for Service Assurance and Technology Core Operations, Mudassir Mushtaq, emphasized the project’s role in boosting the country’s broadband infrastructure. He underscored that the enhanced submarine cable network will reduce latency, ensuring smoother internet services, particularly for businesses and digital enterprises.
Mark Corrigan from Alcatel Submarine Networks, the company responsible for laying the cable, provided insights into the complex operation. He explained that a 14.5 km pre-laid shore-end segment was carefully positioned, floated to the beach, and integrated into the PTCL LAN cable. The technical precision involved in the project demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge solutions for digital connectivity.
With completion expected in early 2026, the Africa-1 submarine cable will significantly boost PTCL’s ability to deliver world-class internet services. The development marks a crucial step towards a more connected and technologically advanced Pakistan, paving the way for enhanced digital services, economic growth, and global integration.
