Nearly 97 percent of Pakistan’s population now has access to broadband internet, according to Minister of State for IT and Telecom Shaza Fatima. She shared the update during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology.
The minister said internet usage has increased significantly over the past few years. She noted that more people are using digital services for communication, education, business, and entertainment.
According to Shaza Fatima, the government has taken several steps to improve telecom services across the country. One of the major developments was the expansion of available mobile spectrum.
She informed lawmakers that the government increased mobile spectrum from 274 MHz to 480 MHz after holding a spectrum auction in March. The additional spectrum is expected to improve network performance and increase capacity for mobile users.
Officials believe the expanded spectrum will also help prepare the country’s telecom sector for the future rollout of 5G services. Better network capacity is expected to improve internet speed and service quality for consumers.
The minister also shared details about internet spending in Pakistan. She said the average internet user spends around Rs. 285 per month on mobile data services.
During the meeting, Shaza Fatima also discussed the proposed Telecom Amendment Bill. She said the bill aims to improve the Right of Way (RoW) framework, which is important for expanding telecom infrastructure.
The improved RoW system is expected to make it easier for telecom companies to install fiber optic cables, mobile towers, and other communication infrastructure. Faster approvals could help speed up broadband expansion in both urban and rural areas.
Officials believe better telecom infrastructure will improve internet access, support digital transformation, and encourage investment in the technology sector.
The government continues to focus on expanding digital connectivity as demand for online services grows across Pakistan. Increased broadband coverage can support education, healthcare, e-commerce, and other digital industries.
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The latest figures highlight the progress made in expanding internet access nationwide. With 97 percent of the population now covered by broadband services, Pakistan has moved closer to achieving wider digital inclusion while preparing its telecom sector for future technologies such as 5G.
