Pakistan has been facing internet problems lately
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (Parent Teacher Association (PTA)) on Wednesday attributed the recent internet slowdown to damage to a key undersea cable. During a meeting with the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on IT, PTA Chairman Retired General Hafeezur Rehman explained that the slowdown was primarily due to damage to the SMW4 undersea cable.
Rehman assured the committee that cable repairs were underway and were expected to be completed by August 28, by which time normal internet speeds would be restored, Dawn.com reported. Addressing allegations that a national firewall had been installed, Rehman clarified that the government was upgrading its web management system to improve cybersecurity, not to throttle internet speeds as some had suggested.
“You have been asked a direct question,” PPP Senator Sharmila Farooqi asked the PTA chief. “Has a firewall been put in place or not?”
Rehman reiterated that the PTA had no role in the internet slowdown and attributed the problems to technical difficulties, according to the Dawn report.
“Each country, including Afghanistan, has its own system,” he said.
Pakistan has been experiencing significant internet slowdowns, leading to widespread frustration among users and speculation about the possible implementation of a national firewall.
In recent weeks, users have reported difficulties sending and downloading media files and voice notes through apps like WhatsApp, even with broadband connections. The slowdown has also affected businesses that rely on a stable internet connection to manage international communications and operations.
The Pakistan Software Companies Association, which represents the country’s IT sector, has warned that the current internet problems could cost the fragile economy up to $300 million. The association also expressed concern that the government is hastily implementing a national firewall, which could lead to the slowdowns, a claim the PTA has strongly denied.
(With contributions from PTI)
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