Ministry approves Karachi-Gwadar optic fibre link, 10 other projects

Islamabad: The Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication (MoITT) approved 11 projects worth PKR 11.52 billion – including plans to establish an ‘optic fibre’ based communication link between Karachi and Gwadar along the coastal highway, a news source reported.

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The ministry approved these projects – for the next fiscal year – in a meeting chaired by IT Secretary Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui. Of the 11 schemes approved, five will be initiated in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to expand the telecommunication services in these regions.

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The projects include:

1. President’s Initiative for Cyber Efficient Parliament
2. Phase II of expansion of broadband services in AJK and GB
3. Optic Fibre Based Communication Link between Karachi and Gwadar along Coastal Highway
4. Implementation of PECA 2016 and SRO 904 (I)/2017 for DIRBS (Device Identification, Registration and Blocking System) in AJK and G-B
5. Upgrading of Transmission Network and Replacement of Optic Fibre Cable in AJK and G-B.
6. Upgrade of Existing TDM-based Backhaul Microwave With IP-based Backhaul Microwave Network in AJK and GB
7. Protection and upgrade of Pak-China Phase-I Optic Fibre Cable for Establishment of Cross-Border Connectivity in AJK and GB
8. Standardisation of Call Centre Industry
9. Activation/Addition of Lawful Intention Functionality/Features in NTC’s Voice Network and Integration/Interoperability
10. One Patient, One ID Federal Govt Hospitals/Dispensaries
11. Smart Offices for all federal government departments