ISLAMABAD: Sajjad Mustafa Syed, Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), has assured that the ongoing internet speed issues in Pakistan will be addressed within the next three months. The concerns stem from the implementation of a firewall, which may be causing connectivity disruptions.
Syed explained, “If images aren’t transmitting while sending messages via WhatsApp, it could suggest that monitoring is underway.”
Users across various regions of Pakistan are facing intermittent internet outages and slow speeds, affecting their ability to browse, download, and share media seamlessly. Reports indicate that both Wi-Fi and mobile data services are experiencing significant slowdowns, making it difficult for users to send or receive images, videos, and voice notes on popular platforms like WhatsApp.
The government has acknowledged the issue, stating that it is working on improving the “web management system” while testing its internet firewall. Initial trials were conducted in July and August, during which internet speeds were noticeably reduced, and digital platforms encountered disruptions. However, the exact causes of the recent slowdowns are still unclear.
In his statement, the P@SHA chairman also refuted claims that IT companies are leaving Pakistan due to slow internet speeds, emphasizing, “Not a single company has left the country.”
He clarified that full-time IT employees are not facing significant problems, as fixed-line internet continues to function well. However, part-time workers are struggling due to the lack of fixed-line connections.
Syed also discussed the firewall issue, noting that surveillance and firewall installations are common practices globally and that there could be some procedural deficiencies. He pointed out that in the United States, security personnel would respond within minutes if illegal content is reported.
Internet disruptions have become frequent in Pakistan, with the country experiencing intermittent outages and access problems for several months, caused by various factors. IT experts warn that Pakistan’s inadequate internet infrastructure is resulting in daily economic losses of billions of rupees.
