Minister: Pakistan is ready to discuss with Azerbaijan the creation of direct fiber optic connectivity through Central Asia

Pakistan intends to attract Azerbaijan to participate in the auction for the distribution of 600 MHz radio frequency spectrum.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to Report, this was stated by Pakistani Minister of Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja.

According to her, in the next quarter, Pakistan plans to auction about 600 MHz of radio frequency resources, after which the total available spectrum in the country will exceed 900 MHz.

"Spectrum is the volume of radio frequency resource that Pakistan is going to auction for mobile operators and other telecom companies. This means significantly higher quality of services and better coverage throughout the country. Why is this important for our relations with Azerbaijan? First, the auction is open, and anyone can participate. Therefore, we would like to invite Azerbaijan's telecom industry to join the upcoming auction. We believe this is a great opportunity, as a country with a population of 240 million people is rapidly digitalizing, and the volume of data usage will inevitably grow. This creates serious business potential for all participants," said S. Khawaja.

The minister also noted that Pakistan plans to strengthen submarine connectivity.

"Regarding fiber connectivity and submarine cables, our goal is to diversify international connectivity routes in both eastern and western directions. The connection with Azerbaijan here is as follows: we aim to make Pakistan a data transit hub. Essentially, it's about reviving the modern Silk Road that runs from Pakistan through Central Asia (CA) and leads to Azerbaijan. We want to explore how direct fiber optic connectivity can be created, including access to submarine communication lines, together with the government of Azerbaijan," she reported.

According to the minister, cooperation between Pakistan and Azerbaijan covers a wide range of areas, including the mining industry and minerals.

"We already have direct flights from two cities, and we are considering expanding them. We believe that transport connectivity is absolutely necessary. In virtually every sector, we are discussing investments, increasing bilateral trade, as well as developing cultural ties, which are extremely important for us. Lahore and Islamabad already have direct flights to Baku, and possibly Karachi and other administrative centers of our provinces will join them," emphasized S. Khawaja.