Pakistan plans to lay 3,809 kilometres of optical fibre cable to provide internet access to approximately 2.8 million people.
The government is proceeding with telecommunications projects worth Rs30.8 billion to connect 459 unserved towns and union councils. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication stated that the expansion will occur under new projects approved by the Universal Service Fund (USF). The USF Board previously approved 25 projects designed to expand telecommunications infrastructure in underserved regions.
According to the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, these projects are expected to cover more than 1,560 mauzas. Out of the 25 approved projects, 24 have already been awarded or are currently under implementation. A separate initiative launched 36 projects to connect 1,497 tehsil headquarters, union councils, and towns using over 21,700 kilometres of fibre infrastructure.
More than 18,300 kilometres of optical fibre cable have been deployed across 1,089 locations as part of 26 completed projects. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication reported that 99 of the 116 projects launched have reached completion. These specific projects target more than 22,000 mauzas with a total population of roughly 38.4 million people.
Connectivity has also been extended along 2,514 kilometres of underserved motorways and national highways. The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication confirmed that connectivity has also reached eight tourist destinations.
