Pakistan’s internet speed has increased by 60 percent over the past two and a half years, while the country’s fibre-optic connectivity has doubled, Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the Margalla Dialogue, the minister outlined improvements in the country’s digital infrastructure, including higher internet capacity, new submarine cables, expanded fibre-optic coverage and the introduction of 5G services.
She said Pakistan’s internet data usage had increased by two terabits per second, bringing the country’s total live internet capacity to approximately seven terabits per second.
The government has also added two submarine internet cables to strengthen international connectivity and improve the capacity of networks carrying data into and out of Pakistan.
Fibre-Optic Connectivity Expands Across Pakistan
Shaza Fatima said the number of fibre-optic connections in Pakistan had increased from three million to more than six million over the past two and a half years.
The expansion represents a significant increase in fixed broadband infrastructure, which supports higher-speed internet access for households, businesses and institutions.
Fibre-optic networks are particularly important for handling growing data demand, supporting cloud-based services and improving connectivity for businesses that rely on stable internet access.
However, wider coverage and consistent service quality remain important factors in determining how much consumers benefit from infrastructure expansion.
Pakistan Increases Available Spectrum After Auction
The minister also highlighted the country’s largest-ever spectrum auction, through which 480 MHz of spectrum was offered to telecom operators.
According to her, the auction increased Pakistan’s total available spectrum from 274 MHz to more than 750 MHz.
Spectrum is a key resource for mobile networks, allowing operators to carry more data and support growing demand for mobile broadband services. Additional spectrum can also help improve network capacity and provide the technical foundation for expanding advanced mobile technologies.
Shaza further said that 5G services had been launched in Pakistan, with approximately 1.8 million users already subscribed to the technology.
The rollout is expected to support faster mobile connectivity and new digital services. Its wider impact will depend on network coverage, compatible devices and the pace of investment by telecom operators.
Minister Highlights AI’s Economic Potential
Turning to artificial intelligence, the minister said AI could develop into a global economy worth $4.8 trillion by 2033.
She argued that the technology would transform the nature of work rather than simply eliminate jobs. According to her, people who effectively use AI tools could become up to 100 times more productive than others with comparable skills.
The minister stressed that workers and students would need to develop new digital capabilities to remain competitive as AI adoption expands across industries.
Her remarks reflect the growing importance of digital skills in sectors such as information technology, finance, education, manufacturing and business services.
Digital Nation Pakistan Vision
Shaza Fatima said the government remained committed to advancing its Digital Nation Pakistan vision through investment in digital infrastructure and wider access to technology.
The initiative places digital connectivity and technology-led development at the centre of the country’s economic ambitions.
Pakistan’s reported improvements in internet capacity, fibre-optic connections and available telecom spectrum point to a substantial expansion of its digital infrastructure. The next challenge will be ensuring that these gains translate into reliable, affordable and widely accessible internet services for consumers and businesses.
