Pakistan’s internet speed has improved 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 highlighted progress in Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and telecommunications sector. She said the improvements reflected ongoing efforts to expand internet capacity and strengthen the country’s connectivity network.
According to Shaza Fatima, Pakistan has also recorded a significant increase in internet data usage, which has grown by two terabits per second during the past two and a half years. As a result, the country’s total live internet capacity has reached approximately seven terabits per second.
The minister’s remarks point to a major expansion in the country’s ability to handle growing demand for internet services. Higher data capacity is increasingly important as more people rely on digital platforms for communication, education, business activities, entertainment and access to online services.
The reported doubling of fibre-optic connectivity is another important development for Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. Fibre-optic networks provide the backbone for high-speed internet services and help improve the capacity and reliability of telecommunications networks.
Expanding fibre coverage can also support better connectivity for households, businesses, educational institutions and public-sector organisations. It is particularly relevant as Pakistan continues to increase its reliance on digital services and online platforms.
The 60 percent improvement in internet speed, if sustained across different regions and service providers, could help create better conditions for online businesses, remote working, digital learning and technology-based investment.
However, internet performance can vary depending on location, network congestion, service provider infrastructure and the type of connection being used. Improvements in national capacity do not necessarily mean that every internet user experiences the same increase in speed.
Pakistan’s growing data consumption also highlights the need for continued investment in telecommunications infrastructure. As demand rises, network operators will need to strengthen existing systems, expand fibre-optic coverage and improve the quality of services to maintain reliable connectivity.
Better internet infrastructure is considered an important part of the country’s wider digital transformation. Faster and more dependable connections can help businesses adopt modern technologies, improve access to online services and support the expansion of Pakistan’s information technology sector.
While the figures shared by the IT minister indicate progress in internet capacity and fibre connectivity, consistent service quality, wider coverage and affordable access will remain important priorities for the country’s digital development.