IT Minister Shaza Fatima stated that the world’s largest undersea cable has arrived in Pakistan and hopes are high that internet issues will be resolved soon.

The Senate session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Syedal Khan, began with Senator Mohammad Aslam Abro addressing the issue.

He mentioned that the ministry had stated that the internet problem was technical and while the world has reached the moon, Pakistan has not been able to solve this problem for a year. He suggested that the issue of Internet disruption be referred to a committee.

Minister for IT Shaza Fatima said that PTA (Pakistan Telecommunication Authority) monitors internet speeds and over the last two years it has doubled its frequency capacity. She mentioned that IT exports have increased by 33% in the last five months, making it the only industry with a trade surplus. In addition, Pakistan’s internet users have increased by 25%.

She explained that most problems have arisen with mobile broadband and they are in contact with companies related to the Internet. Pasha (Pakistan Software Houses Association) mentioned that three companies are working across Pakistan on a 274 MHz spectrum.

There are eight submarine cables, one of which has completed its life, and the world’s largest submarine cable has now reached Pakistan. She expressed optimism that the internet problem would be resolved soon.

Senator Anusha Rehman pointed out that mobile operators had acquired 274 MHz spectrum over the past 30 years. She questioned the utility of imposing restrictions on data use. She asked if any consultation had taken place on the new spectrum, in particular whether it would encourage investment and the Government’s plan to introduce restrictions.

Shaza Fatima replied that the development in the mobile sector had not been that great during the last two to three years. She mentioned that the PTA had hired US-based consultants and noted that things are changing globally. She highlighted that spectrum is no longer seen as a revenue-raising tool in some countries; some even offer it for free. They await the consultants’ report.

Senator Zeeshan Khanzada noted that political instability in the country had brought these issues upon themselves. While IT exports are increasing, he questioned whether the IT export growth target of ten billion dollars was still achievable.

Shaza Fatima responded and asked for documents showing proof that the IT export target reached ten billion dollars. She mentioned that housing companies had benefited from the STZA (Special Technology Zones Authority) in ways that made it a real estate business that deviated from its original intent.

Senator Quratulain Mari raised concerns about the lack of daycare facilities at airports. Azam Nazir Tarar replied that he had instructed day care centers to be operational at airports as soon as possible. He added that similar facilities would also be arranged in large bars.

Earlier, in an effort to address recent internet disruptions, the government launched the Africa-2 Cable Project, a state-of-the-art initiative designed to improve internet infrastructure and improve data transmission across the nation.

The Africa-2 Cable Project is the world’s largest undersea network, stretching 45,000 kilometers. It spans 33 countries and includes 46 landing stations globally, marking an important milestone for international Internet infrastructure.

A few weeks ago, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned that the digital space in Pakistan was under threat and called on the youth to engage in “democratic and peaceful resistance” to secure digital rights, including high-speed internet.

Sharmila Farooqi also expressed her frustration during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology, accusing the government of failing to address persistent internet disruptions.

The meeting, chaired by Federal IT Minister Syed Aminul Haque, focused on the slow internet problems. Farooqi criticized Minister of State for IT Shaza Fatima for her response and questioned the government’s claims of improved internet services.

Earlier, billionaire Elon Musk confirmed that Starlink has applied for permission to launch internet services in Pakistan and is currently awaiting government approval.

Musk’s confirmation came in response to a post by Pakistani netizen Sanam Jamali, who expressed hope that Starlink could help propel Pakistan into a more connected future.

In a follow-up post, Jamali claimed that Pakistan had approved Starlink’s entry and urged Musk to speed up the launch, emphasizing the potential benefits of providing millions of people with better connectivity, education and opportunities.