Tech Desk 
Dec 07, 2025
An image of Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja attending the inauguration ceremony of the 26th ITCN Asia Expo at Expo Centre Karachi, Sindh, September 23, 2025. — X/@MoitOfficial
Pakistan is preparing for a significant digital shift as the National Fiberisation Plan targets high-speed broadband access for 10 million households by 2029.
The initiative aims for 100 Mbps fixed internet for every user and targets putting Pakistan among the top 50 countries in global internet speed rankings.
The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) is leading the project in collaboration with the World Bank under the Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP).
The plan also seeks to fibreise 80% of mobile towers to boost network reliability and support the rollout of 4G densification and 5G services.
To accomplish these objectives, the ministry will engage a consultancy firm that will map out a roadmap to attract investment within the existing policy framework.
AIP will also be examined as a policy tool to incentivise efficient spectrum use and facilitate fibre deployment for backhaul and middle-mile connectivity.
Experts warn that remedying the current connectivity challenges, fragmented networks, low fibre density, spectrum inefficiencies, and cybersecurity concerns is crucial for the success of this plan.
Optix Pakistan Fibre-Optic Infrastructure Specialist Syed Muhammad Taha Owais said that urban demand for high-speed internet was rising sharply, boosting productivity in both commercial and domestic sectors. “For a technopreneur, fibre is not infrastructure; it is oxygen and digital power,” he added.
To date, Pakistan has deployed more than 211,000 km of fibre-optic cables, consisting of 75,967 km of long-haul and 135,506 km of metro. Another IT exporter, Dr Noman A. highlighted that deep fibre is important to give impetus to building an AI-driven, cloud-powered, and data-centric future.
Precise delivery of this rollout, he said, "unlocks a digital economy that outpaces our region; if we delay, we suffocate innovation before it begins."
Another IT exporter, Saad Shah, pointed out that reliable high-speed internet will not only support national digitisation but also enhance Pakistan's image as a trusted outsourcing destination.
