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Karachi: Pakistan has taken a major leap in digital connectivity with the successful landing of the Africa-1 submarine cable at Seaview Beach, Karachi. The Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) spearheaded the initiative, solidifying the nation’s link to a high-capacity global network.
PTCL is integrating Pakistan with strategic regions, such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Sudan, as a member of the Africa-1 consortium. This achievement fortifies Pakistan’s leadership in the global telecommunications sector and improves its digital infrastructure.
By joining the Africa-1 system, PTCL demonstrates its commitment to using innovative technology to provide digital access and connection across critical international centers. This advancement is anticipated to enhance the capabilities of data transmission, which will be advantageous to both consumers and enterprises.
The Africa-1 consortium is composed of prominent telecommunications companies, such as Mobily (Saudi Arabia), e& (UAE), G42 (UAE), Telecom Egypt, Zain Oman International (ZOI), Algérie Télécom, TeleYemen, and other global service providers.
The cable system utilizes cutting-edge technologies and spans 10,000 kilometers. The system will interconnect Pakistan with strategic locations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, France, Kenya, and Djibouti.
Pakistan will be further established as a critical node in the global digital network with the completion of the cable at the Africa-1 Cable station in PTCL Exchange Misrishah, Phase-VI, DHA Karachi.
“PTCL is proud to be a part of the Africa-1 cable system consortium. This partnership aligns seamlessly with Pakistan’s Digital Vision 2030 and our commitment to empowering the communities by bridging the digital divide. By establishing strong, reliable connections to key international hubs, PTCL aims to provide faster, world-class internet services enabling innovation across sectors and strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global economy,” PTCL Group VP of International Business Syed Muhammad Shoaib stated while highlighting the strategic importance of this partnership.
The Africa-1 cable system is expected to be completed at the beginning of 2026. It will bolster PTCL’s ability to provide reliable, high-quality internet services that meet international standards once it is operational. Additionally, it will guarantee the organization’s status as a telecom operator of choice in Pakistan and beyond.
