Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has confirmed that three new submarine cables are being installed to significantly boost internet speed in Pakistan.
During a press briefing, the minister highlighted that in today’s era, no nation can advance without a strong digital backbone. She stressed that this development is not just about connectivity, but also about enabling innovation, investment, and digital inclusion.
The addition of these cables will expand Pakistan’s bandwidth and strengthen international connectivity at a crucial time when the country is experiencing record digital growth. Over the past year, Pakistan welcomed 10 million new mobile subscribers, pushing the total beyond 200 million by 2025.
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Internet consumption has risen by nearly 25% in just two years, showing how quickly Pakistanis are engaging with the online economy. One of the most notable achievements has been the participation of 8 million women who accessed the internet for the first time — an important step toward bridging the gender digital divide and empowering women with new opportunities.
Experts believe that with upgraded infrastructure, Pakistan is on track to reshape multiple sectors including education, healthcare, finance, and governance. “Improved connectivity means unlocking the potential of a truly digital economy,” said one analyst.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Pakistan has previously faced setbacks due to internet disruptions, ranking first worldwide in financial losses from shutdowns in 2024, which amounted to over ₨45,000 crore. The most damaging outage occurred on February 8 during the general elections, when a nationwide blackout disrupted result transmission and raised questions over transparency.
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Still, with the introduction of new submarine cables, the outlook for internet speed in Pakistan is brighter than ever, offering citizens and businesses a connected future.
