PTA Blames Submarine Cable for Slow Internet Amid Firewall Controversy

Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) has responded to significant criticism over recent internet disruptions, linking the issue to a “fault in the undersea submarine cable.” PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Hafeez-Ur-Rehman provided this explanation after receiving intense backlash from netizens and IT sector bodies.

During a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on IT, PTA Chairman Rehman explained that the internet problems stem from damage to one of the seven submarine cables connected to Pakistan. “The Submarine Consortium has informed us that the internet services are affected due to a fault in the submarine cable,” Rehman said. He assured that technicians expect to resolve the problem by August 27.

This statement aims to address concerns about recent internet slowdowns and connectivity issues. Many experts and stakeholders had previously attributed these problems to the government’s alleged testing of a new internet firewall, which they believed was interfering with social media access by blocking unwanted content.

Industry Criticism and Economic Impact

The internet disruptions have drawn sharp criticism from various IT sector organizations, including the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP) and the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA). These groups have condemned the government’s handling of the situation, citing severe economic impacts on freelancers, IT professionals, and the broader digital economy.

P@SHA estimated that the disruptions have resulted in a $300 million loss, highlighting the significant strain on businesses and individuals who rely on stable internet connectivity. WISPAP Chairman Shahzad Arshad emphasized that the slowdown threatens the survival of many businesses, which depend on reliable internet services to operate effectively.

Government’s Denial and Firewall Explanation

In response to the criticism, the government has denied any involvement in the internet disruptions. State Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja attributed the slowdown to the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) by internet users. “I can swear that the government of Pakistan did not block the internet or slow it down,” Khawaja stated during a media briefing last week.

The issue of the internet firewall also came up during the standing committee’s meeting. Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) lawmaker Amin Ul Haq questioned the PTA chairman about the reasons behind the disruptions. He urged the PTA to inform the public about whether a firewall had been installed and to communicate the matter more clearly.

In response, Gen Rehman referred to Khawaja’s remarks and reiterated that the problems were due to VPN use. He elaborated on the firewall issue, explaining that the PTA had replaced the previous web management system (WMS) with a new firewall technology after its approval in March 2019. “The [internet] firewall system was approved in March 2019,” Rehman said, noting that the upgrade had begun the same year.

Historical Context and Political Reactions

When questioned by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub about the firewall installation, Rehman clarified that the system was introduced during the previous government’s tenure. “This system was introduced during your regime,” he said, deflecting criticism towards the former administration.

As the PTA addresses the ongoing internet issues, it remains to be seen how the resolution of the submarine cable fault and the public’s reaction to the firewall implementation will unfold. The situation highlights the complex interplay between technology, government policies, and the needs of the digital economy.

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