Internet cable fault yet to be fully fixed, admits IT Secretary

ISLAMABAD: Secretary Information Technology has acknowledged that the fault in Pakistan’s undersea internet cable has not yet been fully rectified, though restoration work is ongoing.

Briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications, the IT Secretary said that efforts by the international consortium responsible for maintenance are continuing. In the meantime, Pakistan’s internet traffic has been shifted to alternate routes to minimize disruption.

Later in the session, the committee expressed concern over poor mobile network coverage across the country and decided to summon Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) officials in the next meeting for an explanation.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications was given a detailed briefing on the Islamabad IT Park project, where officials revealed that 80 percent of the construction work has been completed.

During the meeting, Project Director informed the committee that the project is being executed in collaboration with a South Korean company. However, Federal Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja stated that the Prime Minister has ordered an inquiry into delays in the project’s completion.

Highlighting broader challenges in the telecom sector, the minister said that network issues persist due to spectrum shortage and legal disputes.

She added that Pakistan currently operates on 274 MHz of spectrum, which is insufficient to meet national demand. The government, she noted, is planning to hold a spectrum auction by December or January to enhance connectivity and service quality.