The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has attributed the recent nationwide internet slowdown to a “faulty submarine cable” and clarified that no new firewalls are being installed, following criticism from lawmakers and the public.
Over the past few weeks, internet speeds have plummeted, causing difficulties for users trying to send or download media on WhatsApp, as well as slow browsing on both mobile and broadband connections. Internet service providers (ISPs) and the business community had suggested that the government’s efforts to monitor internet traffic, including the installation of a firewall, were causing these issues and leading to economic losses.
Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja had previously stated that while the government was upgrading its “web management system” to address cybersecurity threats, there was no throttling of the internet.
During a National Assembly Standing Committee on IT meeting, PTA Chairman Retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman explained that the slowdown was due to the faulty submarine cable, expected to be repaired by August 28. He emphasized that the government was upgrading its web management system, not installing a firewall, and refuted claims that these upgrades were causing the slowdown.
Rehman also addressed concerns about intermittent internet issues and questioned why certain platforms like TikTok were sometimes restricted. He admitted he had no additional information about the extended suspension of the social media platform X.
Senator Mustafa Kamal criticized the situation, noting that companies were being discouraged from operating in Pakistan due to internet issues. Senator Amin ul Haq urged the government to ensure 5G services are available by March, highlighting the country’s lag in technological advancements compared to others moving towards 6G.
In related news, the Lahore High Court (LHC) rejected the federal government’s lawyer’s response to the internet slowdowns and requested a clause-wise response for the next hearing. The PTA lawyer acknowledged the internet speed issues, citing reasons including a damaged submarine cable, mishandling by an internet company, a cyber attack, and excessive VPN us
