Pakistan is currently experiencing a nationwide internet outage, with authorities actively investigating the root cause of the disruption. While initial reports suggest the issue stems from international traffic rather than local networks, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has reported widespread slow internet speeds due to technical issues.
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) officials have attributed the outage to a fault in the underground submarine cable, a critical infrastructure component for internet connectivity.
Despite these official explanations, speculation abounds among the public. Many netizens argue that the outage is a result of the government’s deployment of a firewall to curb the spread of information deemed undesirable by the state. They allege that recent events, such as the Parachinar attack and former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s acceptance of negotiation offers, have prompted the government to restrict internet access.
Interestingly, major platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, all owned by Meta, remain unaffected by the outage, allowing users to stay connected through these social media channels.
The outage has also had significant impacts on businesses and daily life across the country, with many unable to perform essential tasks that rely on stable internet connections. E-commerce, online education, and digital communication have all been severely disrupted, causing frustration among citizens and financial losses for businesses.
Experts are calling for a comprehensive review of Pakistan’s internet infrastructure to prevent future occurrences. They emphasize the need for investment in more robust systems and alternative routes to ensure resilience against such widespread disruptions. The current situation underscores the critical importance of a reliable internet connection in today’s digital age.