Internet Service Disruptions: Faulty Submarine Cable to Blame, Says PTA Chief
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has attributed the ongoing internet slowdowns across Pakistan to a faulty submarine cable, dismissing rumors of a government-installed firewall affecting internet speeds. In a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication, PTA Chairman, Major General (Retd) Hafeezur Rehman,stated that the disruption is due to damage to one of the seven submarine cables that connect Pakistan internationally, with repairs expected to be completed by August 27.
During the committee session on August 21, Rehman faced numerous inquiries from lawmakers about the widespread internet issues. He emphasized that the government is not installing a new firewall but is upgrading the existing web management system for enhanced cybersecurity. This clarification follows mixed messages from Information Technology Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who initially confirmed system upgrades before denying any intentional throttling of internet speeds.
IT Minister Shaza Fatima, opposition leader Omar Ayub, and other key members attended the session. The PTA’s statement addresses accusation
Sharmila Farooqi of the Pakistan Peoples Party Parliamentarians (PPPP) inquired about the alleged firewall, to which Rehman clarified that the telecom authority’s role was unrelated to the slowdown, blaming the issue on technical difficulties instead. Meanwhile, Senator Mustafa Kamal criticized the PTA’s management of the situation, highlighting that unreliable internet services were driving businesses away from Pakistan.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, also raised concerns regarding the continued suspension of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Rehman admitted to having no updates on the issue, increasing frustration among committee members.
Rehman expressed optimism that internet services would stabilize within a week and clarified that, despite contrary reports, there were no restrictions on VPN usage. He mentioned that internet speeds might remain compromised for about six more days.
Committee Chairman Aminul Haque stressed the urgency of introducing 5G services by March, noting that public expectations necessitate a faster rollout if it cannot be achieved by December.
Rehman elaborated on the increased necessity for VPNs due to unavailable data on local content delivery networks (CDNs), which has led to heightened reliance on them amidst the disruptions. He also clarified that the submarine cable issues were unique to Pakistan and not experienced by other countries.
The committee discussed the legal aspects of VPN usage, where Rehman admitted his uncertainty, prompting calls for a legal advisor’s input. The PTA chairman further discussed the complexities of monitoring online content, emphasizing compliance with governmental directives under Article 19, which guarantees freedom of expression but includes certain restrictions.
The absence of PTCL’s president from the meeting led to significant frustration, with Omar Ayub noting his postponed court hearing to emphasize the session’s importance. Chairman Aminul Haque requested that PTCL’s CEO be summoned in the next session to account for the absence.
In addition to the committee meeting, the PTA responded to a court query on the same day, informing the Lahore High Court (LHC) about the ongoing repairs on the damaged submarine cable. The court has adjourned the hearing until August 27, awaiting detailed responses from the government and other authorities involved.
Lawyers Azhar Siddique and Nadeem Sarwar initiated the legal challenge to the internet slowdown. They have been instructed to document the specific dates when disruptions occurred.
” 
” 
” 
” 
” 
