Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has announced that the installation of three new submarine internet cables will significantly boost internet speed and connectivity in Pakistan.

Addressing the media, Minister Khawaja highlighted that in today’s world, no nation can move forward without strong digital infrastructure.

“This is not just about faster internet it’s about unlocking new opportunities for innovation, investment, and inclusion,” she stated.

The upcoming submarine cables are expected to greatly expand Pakistan’s bandwidth and strengthen its international digital links, coinciding with a period of record-breaking digital growth in the country.

In the past year alone, Pakistan has added 10 million new mobile subscribers, bringing the total to over 200 million by 2025.

Internet usage has also risen by 25% in the last two years, showing how deeply the population is engaging with the digital economy.

One of the most notable achievements is that 8 million women gained internet access for the first time a major step in bridging the gender digital divide and empowering women through technology, access to knowledge, and economic opportunity.

Digital analysts say the momentum signals a readiness among Pakistanis to fully embrace a connected future.

“With improved infrastructure, we’re looking at a digital economy that could reshape every sector from education and healthcare to finance and governance,” one expert noted.

While the future looks promising, Pakistan’s recent digital history has been fraught with setbacks.

The country ranked first globally for financial losses due to internet shutdowns in 2024, with estimated damages exceeding ₨45,000 crore.

The most impactful disruption occurred on February 8, when a nationwide blackout during the general elections delayed result transmission and cast doubts on electoral transparency.