In recent weeks, Pakistan has experienced a significant slowdown in internet services nationwide, sparking widespread frustration and speculation among the public. The situation has been compounded by contradictory statements from government officials, leading to growing suspicions that the real reason behind the internet slowdown is being deliberately obscured.
The official explanations for the internet slowdown have been inconsistent at best, leaving many to question the transparency of the government’s communications. On Wednesday, the Chairman of the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Retired Major General Hafeezur Rehman attributed the slowdown to a “faulty submarine cable.” He reassured the public that no new firewalls were being installed, responding to concerns that the government might be intentionally restricting internet access.
However, this explanation was quickly challenged by the country’s Information Technology Minister, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who offered a different reason. She confirmed that the government was in the process of upgrading its “web management system” to better cope with cyber security threats. Khawaja, however, categorically denied reports that the government was “throttling” the internet deliberately. Despite these assurances, the telecom sector has reportedly suffered a loss of Rs 300 million, highlighting the significant economic impact of the ongoing issues.
The PTA’s explanation that the internet slowdown is due to a faulty submarine cable has raised eyebrows among industry experts and the public alike. Submarine cable faults are not uncommon, but they are usually addressed swiftly, with service providers rerouting traffic through alternative cables to minimize disruption. The prolonged nature of the slowdown, coupled with the lack of detailed information on the extent and nature of the submarine cable issue, has led many to believe that this is a convenient scapegoat rather than the true cause of the problem.
Moreover, past incidents of submarine cable disruptions in Pakistan have rarely led to such widespread and prolonged internet issues, further fueling doubts about the credibility of this explanation. The vagueness and inconsistency in the government’s narrative suggest that there may be more to the story than what is being disclosed.
Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja’s statement that the government is upgrading its web management system to address cybersecurity threats introduces another layer of complexity to the issue. While cybersecurity is undoubtedly a critical concern, especially in a country like Pakistan where cyber threats are on the rise, the timing and nature of these upgrades raise questions.
The minister’s denial of internet throttling contradicts reports from various users and independent monitors who have noted a significant decrease in internet speeds across the country. If the government is indeed implementing cybersecurity measures, why has there been such a pronounced and sustained impact on internet performance? Could these upgrades be a cover for more invasive measures aimed at controlling or monitoring internet usage?
Pakistan has a history of restricting internet access, particularly during times of political unrest or when the government feels threatened by dissenting voices. In recent years, there have been several instances where internet services were partially or fully suspended during protests or in response to specific events. This history has led to a deep mistrust among the public, who are quick to suspect that the current slowdown may be another attempt by the government to control information flow and limit access to certain online content.
The recent installation of new surveillance and monitoring technologies in countries like China and India has also raised concerns that Pakistan may be following a similar path. The government’s emphasis on cybersecurity could be a pretext for expanding its capabilities to monitor and control online activity more closely. If this is the case, the internet slowdown might be a side effect of these new systems being tested or implemented.
The ongoing internet issues have not only frustrated users but also caused significant economic harm. The telecom sector’s reported loss of Rs 300 million underscores the broader economic implications of the slowdown. In an increasingly digital economy, reliable internet access is crucial for businesses, education, and communication. Prolonged disruptions can have a cascading effect, stifling economic growth and affecting the livelihoods of millions of Pakistanis who depend on the internet for work, education, and commerce.
The inconsistent and vague explanations from government officials have drawn criticism from both lawmakers and the general public. Many have taken to social media to express their frustration, while others have called for greater transparency and accountability from the government. The situation has also attracted international attention, with digital rights organizations and foreign observers questioning the motives behind the government’s actions.
The public’s response to the government’s handling of the internet slowdown reflects a broader discontent with how authorities manage information and communication technologies in Pakistan. In an era where access to information is more critical than ever, any perceived attempt to limit or control this access is met with suspicion and resistance.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) recently rejected the federal government lawyer’s explanation regarding the widespread internet slowdowns in Pakistan, demanding a more detailed, clause-by-clause response. During the hearing, Justice Shakil Ahmad was presented with various responses from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), the federal government, and other officials. The PTA’s lawyer acknowledged the decrease in internet speed, attributing it to a damaged submarine cable, mishandling by an internet company, a cyber attack, and excessive VPN usage. However, the court found these explanations insufficient and instructed the government to provide a more comprehensive response at the next hearing. Additionally, the petitioner was directed to amend and resubmit his plea, with the case adjourned until August 27. This ongoing legal scrutiny highlights the dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the issue and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
The ongoing internet slowdown in Pakistan has exposed the government’s lack of transparency and consistency in communicating with the public. The conflicting explanations from different officials have only served to deepen suspicions that the real reason behind the slowdown is being concealed. Whether the cause is a faulty submarine cable, cybersecurity upgrades, or something else entirely, the government owes it to the people to be honest and transparent.
In a democratic society, access to the internet is not just a convenience but a fundamental right. It is essential for communication, education, economic development, and the free exchange of ideas. The government must recognize this and take steps to ensure that any disruptions to internet services are clearly explained and justified. Without this transparency, the public’s trust in the government will continue to erode, leading to greater discontent and instability.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance
