The internet disruption in Pakistan continues to create havoc across the country, with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) recently announcing that the issue could persist until early October. This ongoing crisis has sparked widespread frustration among netizens and the information technology (IT) sector, who attribute the slowdown to an alleged internet firewall being tested to regulate social media content.
Submarine Cable Faults: The Root Cause
The PTA has identified the cause of the internet disruption as faults in two of the seven international submarine cables that connect Pakistan to the global internet. In a recent statement, the PTA confirmed that one of the faulty cables, the SMW-4 submarine cable, is expected to be repaired by early October 2024. Meanwhile, the AAE-1 submarine cable has already been repaired, offering some relief to internet users. However, the overall situation remains dire, with significant degradation in internet services persisting.
Allegations of Internet Firewall Testing
Amid the technical issues, there are growing concerns that the government is using this opportunity to test a new internet firewall. This firewall is designed to filter and block unwanted content on social media, which has led to accusations that the slowdown is a deliberate attempt to control online communication. Earlier this month, PTA Chairman Maj Gen (retd) Hafeezur Rehman acknowledged that the National Firewall System (NFS) is undergoing upgrades to manage or remove content from social media platforms.
Government’s Denial and the Economic Impact
Despite these allegations, the government has denied any involvement in intentionally slowing down the internet. State Minister for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has attributed the internet issues to the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) by users, claiming that this is what caused their devices to slow down. However, this explanation has not been well-received, particularly by those in the IT sector.
The internet disruption has had a significant economic impact, particularly on freelancers, IT professionals, and the broader digital economy. The Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) estimates that the slowdown has resulted in losses amounting to $300 million, further exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the country. Businesses that rely heavily on stable internet connectivity are struggling to maintain operations, with some even facing the threat of closure.
Reactions from the IT Sector
The response from the IT sector has been swift and critical. Organizations such as the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) and P@SHA have voiced their concerns, condemning the government for the ongoing crisis. They have emphasized the importance of reliable internet connectivity as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s digital economy and have called for immediate action to resolve the issue.
Conclusion: A Call for Resolution
The ongoing internet disruption in Pakistan is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. While the PTA is working to repair the damaged submarine cables, the broader concerns about internet censorship and the economic impact of the slowdown cannot be ignored. The government must address these issues transparently and take swift action to restore full internet services across the country. The survival of Pakistan’s digital economy may well depend on it.
