Broadband Users in Pakistan Surpass 13 Million Mark Amid Digital Infrastructure Boom

Islamabad: Pakistan has witnessed a rapid surge in broadband users, with the number now exceeding 13 million — marking one of the fastest growth rates in South Asia. This progress is attributed to effective initiatives led by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and strong government commitment toward enhancing digital infrastructure.
With SIFC’s support, the government has accelerated efforts to expand broadband access and digital connectivity nationwide. In a major policy move, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has abolished “Right of Way” (RoW) charges in Islamabad — a fee previously levied for the installation of IT and fiber optic infrastructure on government land.
Federal Minister for IT and Telecommunications, Shaza Fatima, hailed the decision as a “game changer” for the IT and telecom sectors. The elimination of RoW charges is expected to reduce costs for telecom and internet companies, encouraging private investment and enabling more affordable and reliable internet access for citizens.
The move is also likely to promote digital inclusion, improve communication access, and accelerate digitization efforts. The successful implementation of this policy in Islamabad is expected to influence other cities to follow suit, further advancing Pakistan’s digital ecosystem.
Thanks to SIFC’s strategic efforts, Pakistan’s broadband and digital infrastructure is now firmly on the path to sustainable growth.