Pakistan to Boost Internet Speed with Submarine Cables

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Khawaja, has announced the rollout of three new submarine internet cables to significantly improve Pakistan’s connectivity. She emphasized that in today’s digital era, strong infrastructure is critical for growth, and these cables will not only deliver faster internet but also unlock opportunities for investment, innovation, and digital inclusion.

The new cables will add major bandwidth capacity, making internet services more reliable and affordable. Industry experts believe this will strengthen Pakistan’s digital backbone at a time when online demand is at record levels. In 2025 alone, over 10 million new mobile users joined the network, pushing total subscribers past 200 million. Internet penetration has grown by 25% in just two years, with a major milestone being 8 million women coming online for the first time. A step towards reducing the gender digital divide.

Improved internet access is expected to accelerate progress across sectors including education, healthcare, e-commerce, and governance. However, Pakistan still faces challenges: in 2024, it suffered global record losses from internet shutdowns, exceeding Rs 45,000 crore, including a nationwide blackout during general elections. The submarine cables are expected to prevent such setbacks and prepare Pakistan for a fully connected economy.