Pakistan has taken a significant step forward in its digital evolution with the successful landing of the ultra-high capacity Africa-1 submarine cable at Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited’s (PTCL) landing site at Sea View Beach, Karachi. This major development is set to transform the country’s digital connectivity, reinforcing its role in the global telecommunications network.
PTCL’s official agreement to join the Africa-1 cable system consortium is a game-changer, strengthening Pakistan’s telecommunications infrastructure while integrating the nation with major global digital hubs. This move underscores PTCL’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive progress and seamless connectivity across the regions served by the Africa-1 system.
Spanning 10,000 kilometers, the cable system utilizes state-of-the-art technology, strategically linking Pakistan to key locations such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, France, Kenya, and Djibouti.
Having had the opportunity to witness this milestone firsthand, I was present at the landing site, where I observed the highly coordinated efforts of PTCL’s team ensuring a smooth integration of the cable system. The cable’s termination at the Africa-1 Cable station in PTCL Exchange Misrishah, Phase-VI, DHA Karachi, marks a pivotal moment, positioning Pakistan as a crucial node in the global digital network.
Reflecting optimism on this acheivement, Syed Muhammad Shoaib Group VP International Business at PTCL, stated: “Today, we have gathered here for the groundbreaking activity of the Africa-1 submarine cable’s marine landing. This is PTCL’s fifth submarine cable coming to Pakistan, and it will connect us to major global digital hubs.”
He added: “The participating companies in this submarine cable project include Etisalat UAE, Mobily, G42 Telecom, Telecom Egypt, Zain Oman International (ZOI), Algérie Télécom, TeleYemen, and other major operators across the globe. The total length of this cable is 10,000 kilometers, spanning from Pakistan to the Middle East, Africa, and eventually to Europe. With this connectivity, Pakistan’s vision of linking with global digital hubs and achieving the “Digital Pakistan 2030″ goal will receive significant support.”
Furthermore, Mr Mudassir Mushtaq, Group VP for Service Assurance and Technology Core Operations at PTCL, also shared his thoughts on this development, saying: “Today is a very important day for us as it marks the landing of the Africa One cable. This is a significant part of our roadmap, and we are truly committed to enhancing the capacity of our existing submarine cables and introducing the right redundancy. This initiative will be carried out in collaboration with multiple content providers and will play a crucial role in improving internet speed in the country.
I’ve also had the privilege of speaking to Mr Mark Corrigan, who serves as Director at Alcatel submarine networks. Speaking about the development, he explained: “This project is a 14.5km pre-laid shore end. It will be installed from the barge today. It will be floated to the beach, and at the beach it will be taken over and pulled across the 500m of beach to the beach manhole, at which point it will be connected to the PTCL LAN cable.”
What struck me most was the realization that this initiative is more than just a technological upgrade—it’s a step towards a more connected and innovative future for Pakistan. The Africa-1 cable system, slated for completion in early 2026, will significantly enhance PTCL’s capacity to deliver high-quality, reliable internet services that meet international standards. This will not only benefit businesses and consumers but will also solidify PTCL’s standing as a preferred telecom operator in Pakistan and beyond.
Having witnessed the arrival of this revolutionary cable firsthand, I can confidently say that Pakistan is on the brink of a digital transformation, and PTCL is leading the charge. The future of connectivity in Pakistan looks brighter than ever, with global integration now within our grasp.