Tech Desk 
Feb 14, 2025
Following months of reeling from internet disruptions in the country, internet speeds across Pakistan now seem to be on the verge of getting a much-needed push with a planned 26.5 terabits per second (Tbps) of international connectivity.
State for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Friday submitted a report to the National Assembly, stating that large-scale international connectivity is underway.
ProPakistani noted that to improve the internet ecosystem across Pakistan, the connectivity is being fetched from five international submarine cables.
The internet cables include AFRICA 1 which is operated by PTCL with a planned capacity of 6.5 Tbps; SMW6 which is operated by Transworld Associates (TWA) with a capacity of 6 Tbps; 2AFRICA, operated by TWA with a capacity of 10 Tbps; PEACE, run by LINKdotNET with a capacity of 2 Tbps; and Makran Gulf Gateway (MGG-1) by Cybernet with a capacity of 2 Tbps.
The government has also issued a permit in principle (PIP) for all cables. Out of the five aforementioned cables, the 2AFRICA cable has reached Pakistan, whereas the remaining four will be reportedly delivered shortly.
The IT minister revealed that the government was also working to widen the availability of satellite-based connectivity to improve overall internet access in the country.
As satellite services were not directly available to the consumer in Pakistan, she maintained that the National Space Policy was introduced in January 2024, followed by the constitution of Pakistan Space Activities Rules in February 2024, as part of the government’s efforts to expand satellite services.
