Pakistan’s Internet Download Speeds Rise 68.1% as AI Push Gains Momentum: Shaza Fatima
Irfan Ali
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima has said that Pakistan will pursue artificial intelligence (AI) development alongside digital inclusion to ensure that people across the country can benefit from emerging technologies.
Addressing a panel session at the Global Digital AI Summit, the minister said more than 234,000 kilometres of optical fibre had been laid across Pakistan. She added that right-of-way charges had been abolished to accelerate fibre deployment and reduce network costs.
According to Shaza Fatima, internet download speeds in Pakistan increased by 68.1 per cent over the past two years.
She also said the auction of 480 MHz of spectrum in March 2026 generated $509 million in proceeds.
The minister further stated that a satellite licensing framework for the northern areas and Balochistan was in its final stages, aimed at improving connectivity in these regions.
She emphasised that expanding digital infrastructure and access to technology would be essential to advancing AI adoption and promoting digital inclusion across Pakistan.
