Govt prioritising fibre infrastructure to improve internet quality: Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja

Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Thursday said the government was prioritising the expansion of fibre infrastructure to improve the reliability and quality of internet services across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Mar, 2026) Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja on Thursday said the government was prioritising the expansion of fibre infrastructure to improve the reliability and quality of internet services across Pakistan.

Speaking at the second round of the spectrum auction, she said a major challenge facing the country’s digital connectivity was the lack of fibreisation, noting that most people currently rely on wireless broadband and mobile networks for internet access.

“Our second big plan is fiberisation,” the minister said, adding that the government was working to implement policies aimed at strengthening the national fibre backbone.

She said the plan also focuses on improving last-mile connectivity through fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) so that households can directly benefit from high-speed and reliable internet services.

Shaza Fatima said effective execution of these policies would significantly expand internet access and enhance service quality across the country.

Shaza Fatima Khawaja said Pakistan has taken a major step toward digital transformation after completing the first round of the latest spectrum auction, which generated $507 million for the government.

The minister said 480 MHz of spectrum had been acquired by the country’s three telecom operators, with Jazz securing the largest share, followed by Ufone and Zong.

The minister noted that the auction marked a historic milestone, as such a large amount of spectrum had never been auctioned in Pakistan before.

“Since the beginning of mobile and internet services in the country, Pakistan has been operating on only 274 MHz of spectrum, which led to it being described as a spectrum-starved country in the region,” she said.

According to the minister, the newly allocated spectrum has significantly improved Pakistan’s position globally, increasing the total available spectrum to 750 MHz.

“With this development, Pakistan has moved from being among the lowest in spectrum availability to an above-average country in global comparisons,” she added.

Shaza Fatima said the development comes at a crucial time when artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are rapidly transforming economies and societies.

She said a fast, resilient, and reliable internet infrastructure was essential for economic growth, social development, and national security, adding that the auction had strengthened the foundation of the government’s Digital Pakistan Vision.

The minister said the move would not only improve 4G services but also mark Pakistan’s entry into the 5G era, opening new opportunities for innovation and technological advancement.

She particularly highlighted the benefits for young people growing up in a digital-first society, noting that faster connectivity would support education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

Shaza Fatima said digital connectivity would also enhance productivity in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and industry, especially for people living in remote areas who face limited access to essential services.

“In agriculture, technology can help improve crop yield per acre and strengthen food security, while in healthcare and education it can expand access for people living far from urban centres,” she said.

She also emphasised the growing importance of technology in national security, noting that cyber capabilities had become a critical component of modern warfare.