The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Wednesday attributed the nationwide internet slowdown to a “faulty submarine cable,” dismissing allegations that firewalls were being installed. The clarification came after the PTA faced criticism from lawmakers and the public over declining internet speeds, which have caused disruptions in digital services across the country.
Internet speeds have significantly slowed in recent weeks, with users experiencing difficulties in sending or downloading media and voice notes via WhatsApp, especially when using mobile data, as well as slow browsing speeds on broadband connections.
Business communities and internet service providers (ISPs) had alleged that the government’s efforts to monitor internet traffic, including the rumored installation of a “firewall,” were causing the digital slowdown and resulting in economic losses.
Read More: Government Confirms Web Management System Upgrade Amid Internet Disruptions
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the country’s IT minister, acknowledged that the government was upgrading its “web management system” to address cybersecurity threats but denied reports of deliberate internet throttling.
During a National Assembly Standing Committee on IT meeting, PTA Chairman Retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman was questioned by committee members about the ongoing internet issues. He clarified that the slowdown was due to a faulty submarine cable, expected to be repaired by August 28, and not due to any firewall installation.
Rehman emphasized that the web management system upgrade should not have caused the internet slowdown and revealed that the telecom sector had already suffered losses of Rs 300 million due to the issue.
Senators at the meeting expressed their frustration over the internet problems, questioning why platforms like TikTok were occasionally blocked and whether firewalls were being intermittently imposed. Rehman assured them that the PTA was not responsible for the internet slowdown, attributing it solely to technical issues.
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Senator Mustafa Kamal of MQM voiced concerns that companies were being discouraged from conducting business in Pakistan due to internet issues. Meanwhile, PTI’s Barrister Gohar Ali Khan questioned the extended suspension of social media platform X and demanded answers on when the ban would be lifted.
Rehman admitted he had no additional information on the matter and reiterated that the PTA had not restricted VPNs, nor could they be blocked. He anticipated that the ongoing internet issues would be resolved by August 27.
In the meeting, Committee Chairman Amin ul Haq urged the government to prioritize the rollout of 5G services in Pakistan by March. He expressed disappointment that despite efforts toward the 5G auction, Pakistan still lagged behind, while other countries were advancing towards 6G technology. He stressed that if 5G could not be introduced by December, it must be done by March to meet public expectations.
