World's largest submarine cable now in Pakistan: Shaza Fatima

Minister of State for IT hopes that internet issues will be resolved soon.

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Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima stated that the world's largest submarine cable has arrived in Pakistan, and hopes are high that internet issues will be resolved soon.

The Senate session, chaired by Deputy Chairman Syedal Khan, began with Senator Mohammad Aslam Abro addressing the issue.

He mentioned that the ministry had stated the internet problem was technical, and while the world has reached the moon, Pakistan has not been able to solve this issue in a year. He suggested that the matter of internet disruptions be referred to a committee.

Minister of State for IT, Shaza Fatima, said that the PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) oversees internet speeds, and over the past two years, it has doubled its frequency capacity. She mentioned that IT exports have increased by 33% in the last five months, making it the only industry with a trade surplus. Additionally, Pakistan's internet users have increased by 25%.

She explained that most issues have occurred with mobile broadband, and they are in touch with businesses related to the internet. Pasha (Pakistan Software Houses Association) mentioned that three companies work across Pakistan on a 274 MHz spectrum.

There are eight submarine cables, one of which has completed its lifespan, and the world's largest submarine cable has now reached Pakistan. She expressed optimism that the internet problem would soon be resolved.

Senator Anusha Rehman pointed out that mobile companies had acquired 274 MHz spectrum over the past 30 years. She questioned the usefulness of imposing restrictions on data usage. She inquired whether any consultation had occurred regarding the new spectrum, especially if it would encourage investment and the government's plan to impose restrictions.

Shaza Fatima responded that mobile sector development had not been as significant over the past two to three years. She mentioned that the PTA had hired U.S.-based consultants and noted that things are changing globally. She highlighted that spectrum is no longer seen as a revenue-gathering tool in some countries; some even offer it for free. They are awaiting the consultants' report.

Senator Zeeshan Khanzada remarked that political instability in the country had brought these issues upon themselves. While IT exports are increasing, he questioned whether the IT export growth target of ten billion dollars was still achievable.

Shaza Fatima replied, asking for documents showing evidence of the IT export target reaching ten billion dollars. She mentioned that housing societies had benefited from the STZA (Special Technology Zones Authority) in ways that turned it into a real estate business, deviating from its original intent.

Senator Quratulain Mari raised concerns about the lack of daycare centres at airports. Azam Nazir Tarar responded that he had instructed daycare centres to be operational at airports as soon as possible. He added that similar facilities would also be set up in large bars.

Previously, in a bid to address recent internet disruptions, the government has launched the Africa-2 Cable Project, a state-of-the-art initiative designed to enhance internet infrastructure and improve data transmission across the nation.

The Africa-2 Cable Project is the world's largest undersea network, stretching 45,000 kilometres. Spanning 33 countries, it incorporates 46 landing stations globally, marking a major milestone for international internet infrastructure.

A few weeks ago, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned that the digital space in Pakistan was under threat and urged the youth to engage in "democratic and peaceful resistance" to secure digital rights, including high-speed internet.

Sharmila Farooqi also expressed her frustration during a National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology meeting, accusing the government of failing to address persistent internet disruptions.

The meeting, chaired by Federal Minister for IT Syed Aminul Haque, focused on the slow internet issues. Farooqi criticised State Minister for IT Shaza Fatima for her responses, questioning the government’s claims of improved internet services.

Earlier, billionaire Elon Musk confirmed that Starlink has applied for permission to launch internet services in Pakistan and is currently awaiting government approval.

Musk’s confirmation came in response to a post by Pakistani netizen Sanam Jamali, who expressed hope that Starlink could help propel Pakistan into a more connected future.

In a follow-up post, Jamali claimed that Pakistan had approved Starlink’s entry and urged Musk to expedite the launch, stressing the potential benefits of providing millions of people with better connectivity, education, and opportunities.