- The PTA attributed Pakistan’s slowdown to a damaged submarine cable.
- PTA Chairman Rehman denied that the digital firewall is causing the slowdown.
- The firewall is designed to monitor and filter internet traffic, not disrupt it.
Islamabad – The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has provided an official explanation for the ongoing internet slowdown across Pakistan, attributing the issues to faulty submarine cables while dismissing claims that installing a digital firewall is responsible for the disruption.
Internet Outage in Pakistan Impacts Millions
The recent decline in internet speeds has affected millions of users nationwide, disrupting daily activities, businesses, and essential communication channels. Over the past few weeks, users have experienced significant difficulties sending or downloading media, voice notes on WhatsApp, and browsing the web. The situation has sparked widespread complaints, with social media users and internet service providers speculating that government efforts to monitor internet traffic may be causing these disruptions, leading to considerable financial losses.
PTA Chairman Clarifies Cause of Slowdown
During a heated session of the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT and Telecom, PTA Chairman Retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman faced intense questioning regarding the persistent internet issues. In his address, Rehman clarified that the slowdown was primarily due to a fault in one of the seven submarine cables that connect Pakistan to the global internet infrastructure. He assured the committee that the damaged cable would be repaired by August 27, aiming to restore normal internet speeds by that date.
Rehman also responded to allegations concerning the digital firewall, explaining that the firewall, designed to regulate internet traffic, is not responsible for the current slowdown. The firewall is equipped with deep packet inspection (DPI) technology, enabling the government to filter social media content, identify and block propaganda, and restrict access to prohibited material. While the firewall’s implementation will involve internet service providers (ISPs) installing the necessary equipment, the government has pledged to cover some of the associated costs.
Social Media and 5G Concerns
The committee also raised concerns about the ban on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and its impact on digital freedom and progress. Committee members requested updates on when the ban would be lifted, to which Rehman admitted he had no further information. The committee, led by Chairman Amin ul Haq, expressed frustration over the delays in rolling out 5G services in Pakistan. Despite efforts towards a 5G auction, Haq emphasized the need to ensure 5G deployment by December or March to meet public expectations.
Business Disruptions and Public Frustration
The ongoing internet disruptions have not only inconvenienced individual users but have also severely impacted businesses that rely on stable online services. The persistent outages have raised serious concerns about the country’s digital infrastructure and the government’s ability to manage and maintain it. As the August 27 deadline approaches, both the public and business communities are eagerly awaiting the resolution of these issues.
In summary, the PTA’s explanation sheds light on the technical challenges behind the internet slowdown, while also addressing broader concerns related to digital governance and future technological advancements in Pakistan.
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