ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has addressed the ongoing internet slowdown affecting users across the country, attributing the disruptions to faults in two of the seven international submarine cables connecting Pakistan. The PTA’s explanation comes in the wake of significant criticism from netizens and IT sector stakeholders who have linked the slowdowns to recent upgrades in internet firewall systems intended to control social media content.
According to a statement issued by the PTA, the recent internet disruptions are primarily due to faults in the AAE-1 and SMW 4 submarine cables. The AAE-1 cable, which connects Pakistan through Iran and Qatar, has experienced a 250G outage, while the SMW 4 cable, with a capacity of 1.5T, has faced issues near Karachi. These faults have necessitated the rerouting of internet traffic through other available cables to minimize impact on users.
“The concerned teams are actively working on repairing the faults, and the PTA is closely monitoring the situation to restore normal internet speeds,” the statement read.
In addition to the cable faults, PTA Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Hafeezur Rehman confirmed that the National Firewall System (NFS) and Web Management System (WMS) are undergoing upgrades. These systems are designed to control and remove unwanted social media content, as per directives from the executive branch or courts.
Rehman noted that the PC-1 for the NFS upgradation was approved during the tenure of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in March 2019. He also highlighted that the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, was banned for not complying with directives from the interior ministry. The PTA’s role under the Web Management System includes adhering to orders from higher authorities, such as the removal of content related to pornography or blasphemy.
The PTA’s explanations have not quelled the discontent among industry stakeholders. The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Information Technology has expressed strong disapproval of internet slowdowns and social media bans. The committee has instructed the Ministry of IT to assess the economic impact on the IT sector.
Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) and Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), along with IT experts, have criticized the current administration for its handling of the situation. P@SHA has estimated a loss of $300 million due to the disruptions, which have significantly impacted freelancers, IT professionals, and the broader digital economy.
WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad has warned that the slowdown poses a severe threat to businesses reliant on stable internet connectivity. “The current situation is jeopardizing the survival of many businesses and individuals who are essential to our digital economy,” Arshad stated.
In response to allegations of government involvement in the internet slowdown, State Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja has denied any such action. She attributed the connectivity issues to the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) by users, which she claimed could be affecting their internet speeds.
“I can assure you that the government of Pakistan has not blocked or intentionally slowed down the internet,” Khawaja asserted in a recent media statement. She emphasized that the reported slowdown could be linked to users’ VPNs rather than any government-imposed restrictions.
The PTA’s revelation about the faults in submarine cables provides a partial explanation for the current internet disruptions. However, the simultaneous upgrades to the firewall and web management systems have fueled speculation and criticism. As the PTA works to address the technical issues and restore normal service, the debate over the impact of government policies on internet freedom and the digital economy continues to unfold.
