Pakistan is preparing to expand high-speed internet access across villages, small towns, and remote regions under the proposed National Connectivity Plan, with the government aiming to bridge the digital divide and create new opportunities for freelancers, businesses, and the wider digital economy.
The plan was discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, alongside Federal Minister for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja and senior government officials.
Govt Prioritises High-Speed Internet For Remote Areas
During the meeting, Ahad Cheema said expanding affordable and reliable internet connectivity to underserved areas is a key government priority.
He noted that freelancers, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and digital professionals living in remote regions continue to face significant challenges due to slow and unreliable internet services.
The minister said the government is committed to ensuring nationwide access to affordable, high-speed internet, enabling more Pakistanis to participate in the country’s growing digital economy.
FTTH And 5G To Drive Digital Transformation
Officials highlighted the importance of expanding next-generation Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks and 5G infrastructure to support economic growth, job creation, and digital inclusion.
According to the briefing, Pakistan currently has:
- 2.8 million FTTH subscriptions
- 234,000 kilometres of fibre network
- 5.1 million house passes
- Six operational submarine cables
The government believes further investment in fibre infrastructure will strengthen broadband connectivity while preparing the country for wider 5G adoption.
Ambitious National Connectivity Targets Announced
Under the proposed National Connectivity Plan, the government has outlined several long-term objectives to improve Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
These targets include:
- Expanding fibre infrastructure to 10 million house passes
- Increasing average fixed broadband download speeds to 85 Mbps
- Ranking among the world’s top 50 countries for broadband performance
- Raising telecom tower fiberization to 60 percent
Officials said achieving these goals would significantly improve internet quality and expand digital access nationwide.
Tax Relief And Regulatory Reforms Under Consideration
The meeting also focused on improving internet affordability and simplifying infrastructure deployment.
Participants discussed introducing targeted tax relief for internet users in remote areas to encourage greater digital participation.
Several regulatory reforms were also proposed, including:
- Abolishing right-of-way fees
- Launching a single-window approval portal
- Introducing district-level licensing
- Making fixed broadband connectivity mandatory for public institutions, schools, and healthcare facilities
These measures are intended to accelerate broadband expansion while reducing administrative hurdles for telecom operators.
Govt To Finalise National Connectivity Plan Through Stakeholder Consultation
Ahad Cheema said the National Connectivity Plan will be finalised through extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders.
He stressed that successful implementation will require a structured rollout focused on regulatory reforms, clearly defined operator obligations, and performance-based financial support to accelerate fibre deployment while ensuring long-term commercial sustainability.
The proposed strategy aims to expand reliable internet access across Pakistan, particularly in underserved communities, while strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure and supporting future economic growth.