Internet speeds across Pakistan experienced a significant slowdown on Friday due to damage to a submarine cable, causing widespread connectivity issues for broadband users nationwide.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) confirmed that the Asia-Africa-Europe (AAE-1) submarine cable was damaged near Qatar, disrupting services provided by the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTCL). In a public notice, PTA assured users that repair efforts were underway and updates would be shared accordingly.
PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeez Ur Rehman recently refuted claims that sharks were responsible for damaging submarine cables. Addressing the Senate Standing Committee on Information and Technology, Rehman explained that wildlife, including sharks, cannot damage submarine cables, with technical issues being the more likely cause.
Rehman informed the committee that Pakistan currently relies on seven submarine cables for internet connectivity, with an additional cable, “2 Africa,” expected to enhance connectivity soon. PTCL manages three of these cables — AAE-1, SMW-4, and IMEWE — which connect to Karachi. Specifically, SMW-4 and IMEWE land at Hawksbay Beach, while AAE-1 connects via Clifton Beach.
Furthermore, Transworld Associates operates two submarine cables — SMW-5 and TWA-1 — linking Pakistan to global internet hubs in the Gulf. Cyber Internet Services Ltd manages the PEACE cable, originating in China, landing at Misri Shah in Karachi, and extending to Europe.
The PTA Chairman also addressed the authority’s role in regulating social media, revealing that approximately 500 complaints are received daily. About 80% of flagged content is successfully removed from platforms, while the remaining 20% remains accessible.
A key point of discussion was the PTA’s authority to impose regional internet shutdowns. Senator Kamran Murtaza questioned the legal basis for such actions, as there is no explicit provision in the law permitting regional restrictions.
An official from the Ministry of IT clarified that the Ministry of Interior directs such shutdowns when deemed necessary, a practice in place since 2016.
The PTA Chairman acknowledged that internet restrictions have also been enforced following directives from the Supreme Court and High Court. He emphasized that targeted internet shutdowns to address specific content issues could be carried out legally under government orders.
