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Pakistan’s Internet Speed Jumps 68.1% as 5G Expands to 24 Cities, IT Minister Reveals

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Pakistan has recorded a 68.1% increase in internet download speeds over the past two years, while 5G services have expanded to 1,700 sites across 24 cities, according to Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja.

Speaking at a panel discussion on the second day of the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026 in Seoul, South Korea, the minister highlighted Pakistan’s progress in digital infrastructure, mobile connectivity, and artificial intelligence. She stressed that AI development and digital inclusion must move forward together.

During the question-and-answer session, the minister shared developments in fiber-optic networks, 5G deployment, and satellite connectivity plans.

According to her, Pakistan has deployed more than 234,000 kilometers of optical fiber nationwide. She said the government had removed Right of Way (RoW) charges across the country to reduce the cost of obtaining permissions for fiber deployment.

She described the March 2026 spectrum auction as the largest in Pakistan’s history, reportedly involving 480 MHz of spectrum and generating $509 million.

Within six months of the auction, 5G services had reached 1,700 sites across 24 cities, she said.

Satellite Internet to Support Connectivity in Remote Areas

Pakistan is finalizing a satellite licensing framework to improve connectivity in underserved regions, particularly the mountainous northern areas and remote parts of Balochistan.

The minister clarified that satellite connectivity would complement existing terrestrial telecom networks rather than replace them.

She also said the Universal Service Fund (USF) had helped extend network connectivity to more than 38 million people across over 22,000 settlements in 110 districts.

Digital Inclusion and AI Development Remain Key Priorities

Shaza Fatima said the gender gap in mobile connectivity had declined from 25% to 8% and that Pakistan had improved its position by 27 places in the Global Digital Index 2026.

She emphasized that artificial intelligence and digital inclusion must progress together, so AI adoption is not limited to people already connected to reliable internet and digital services.

Referring to an estimated 2.6 billion people worldwide who remain unconnected, she said connecting them was achievable because the technology and resources exist.

The figures and rankings were presented by the minister during the summit and have not been independently verified in this report. The long-term impact will depend on network reliability, affordability, and access in underserved communities.