Pakistan, a nation that has steadily integrated digital technologies into the fabric of daily life, now finds itself grappling with an internet crisis that has sparked widespread frustration among its citizens. Confusion abounds as people ask: What’s really causing the slowdown in Pakistan’s internet?
Millions of Pakistanis who rely on the internet for everything from communication to commerce are currently experiencing severe disruptions, reminiscent of the early 2000s when dial-up connections and internet cards were the norm. The situation has become so dire that many are questioning whether the country’s technological progress has come to a standstill.
A regression to the past
For many, the current internet woes feel like a step back in time. Despite the launch of 4G services years ago, internet speeds have plummeted to the levels of 2G or even EDGE networks. In some cases, the internet is so sluggish that it fails to function at all. This has led to a near-paralysis of digital communication in Pakistan, with millions struggling to maintain even the most basic online activities.
The impact is felt across the spectrum of society. From students attempting to access educational resources to businesses trying to close deals, the internet slowdown has thrown a wrench into the daily operations of countless individuals and organisations. Popular platforms like WhatsApp, which serve as lifelines for communication in Pakistan, have become virtually unusable at times. Users report being unable to download images, videos, or documents, rendering the app ineffective for both personal and professional use.
The blame game: Service providers or government control?
As the crisis deepens, fingers are being pointed in multiple directions. Internet service providers (ISPs) are facing criticism for failing to maintain service quality, but there is growing suspicion that the root of the problem lies elsewhere. Reports suggest that the slowdown may be linked to the deployment of a nationwide internet firewall aimed at controlling online content and traffic. This has led to speculation that the government is intentionally throttling internet speeds to limit access to information and suppress dissent.
The slowdown is not confined to rural areas; even the federal capital, Islamabad, and its posh sectors such as F-7 and F-6 are experiencing significant disruptions. This is a far cry from the promises of a digitally empowered Pakistan, where the number of 3G and 4G users had grown from 130.92 million at the end of February to nearly 132 million by the end of March 2024. The reality on the ground, however, tells a different story—one where millions of Pakistanis are struggling to stay connected.
A growing digital divide
The internet issue has exposed a growing digital divide in Pakistan. While those in urban centres like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad are accustomed to high-speed internet, the recent disruptions have left them reeling. Meanwhile, in rural areas, where internet access has always been patchy, the situation has gone from bad to worse. Places like Bara Manga are now almost entirely cut off from the digital world, exacerbating existing inequalities.
The situation has sparked outrage among Pakistan’s growing online community, which includes not just casual users but also students, freelancers, traders, and others who rely on the internet for their livelihoods. The frustration is palpable, with many taking to social media to voice their concerns, even as they struggle to stay connected.
Official responses: Confusion and contradictions
The official response to the internet crisis has been marked by confusion and contradictions. After facing intense criticism from netizens and the information technology sector, the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) finally broke its silence on the issue. PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeez-Ur-Rehman, while briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT, attributed the slowdown to a fault in the undersea submarine cable. He assured the public that the issue would be resolved by August 27, but many remain sceptical.
Rehman explained that Pakistan is connected to the global internet through seven fibre optic cables, one of which is currently damaged. While this explanation offers some clarity, it does little to alleviate the frustration of millions who are still grappling with slow or non-existent internet service.
Meanwhile, others in the IT sector believe that the government’s testing of a new nationwide internet firewall is the real culprit behind the disruptions. “On the one hand, the new government is promising an information technology revolution for Pakistan, and on the other, it is throttling it completely,” said one industry insider who wished to remain anonymous.
The government has repeatedly denied responsibility for the internet problems, insisting that the firewall is intended to regulate and block malicious content while protecting government networks. Information and Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, in a recent statement, blamed Pakistan’s large population for straining the network, adding that her team has been “working tirelessly” with ISPs to resolve the issue.
Personal stories of frustration
The impact of the internet crisis is perhaps best illustrated through the personal stories of those affected. Dr Maryam Jabbar, a medical officer at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), described her daily struggle to commute using ride-hailing apps like InDrive. “Sometimes, I am unable to book a ride because the 4G does not work, and my phone shows the EDGE sign,” she said. “The situation of the internet is much worse in some areas of G-8. I had to walk from the PIMS OPD to Centaurus twice this week because neither my nor my colleagues’ internet was working.”
Freelancers like Hannan Masood are also bearing the brunt of the slowdown. Masood, who works with clients in the United States, feared he might not be able to pay his rent this month after a client became angry over missed messages and calls. “The client thought I had intentionally turned off my internet to avoid work,” he said. Masood tried using SIM data and VPNs to stay connected, but found them equally unreliable. “VPNs work sometimes, but only for the first 10 minutes. After that, they become very slow,” he said, adding that he is hesitant to spend money on VPNs after hearing from friends that even paid versions are not functioning properly.
Economic and political ramifications
The internet crisis comes at a time of widespread discontent in Pakistan over the country’s economic situation. With inflation running high and the government sharply increasing taxes and electricity fees, many Pakistanis believe they are being asked to shoulder the burden of the ruling elite’s lavish lifestyle. The June budget announcement, which included a 25 per cent increase in government salaries, was followed by an unprecedented tax hike for the common salaried class. This move was heavily criticised, with an editorial in Dawn stating that it would “make the life of average Pakistanis even harder.”
In this context, some view the internet slowdown as a deliberate attempt by the government to stifle criticism in digital spaces. Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has already been blocked since the February elections due to “national security” concerns. Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party point out that he is the most popular Pakistani on the platform, with nearly 21 million followers, suggesting that the government’s actions are politically motivated.
A call for transparency and solutions
As the internet crisis drags on, the need for transparency and effective solutions has become increasingly urgent. The government’s mixed messages and the PTA’s assurances have done little to restore public confidence. If the new firewall is indeed behind the disruptions, as many suspect, there should have been some warning or at least an official explanation. Instead, Pakistanis are left to navigate a digital landscape that is increasingly unreliable and unpredictable.
The situation underscores the importance of a robust and resilient internet infrastructure in today’s hyperconnected world. For a country that has embraced digital technologies as a means of economic and social progress, the current crisis is a stark reminder of how quickly those gains can be reversed. The government, ISPs, and all stakeholders must work together to resolve the issue swiftly and ensure that Pakistanis can once again rely on a stable and secure internet connection.
As Pakistan grapples with this digital setback, the hope is that lessons will be learned, and the country will emerge stronger, with a more transparent and accountable approach to managing its internet infrastructure. For now, however, millions of Pakistanis are left in the lurch, waiting for their digital lifeline to be restored.
