On Monday, Pakistan experienced severe internet disruptions after reports confirmed a submarine cable cut near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The issue resulted in reduced browsing speeds and frequent connectivity failures across multiple regions. Internet users, from businesses to individuals, faced significant difficulties accessing essential online services. The disruption sparked widespread concerns over Pakistan’s reliance on limited broadband infrastructure and highlighted ongoing weaknesses in the country’s digital ecosystem.
Official Confirmation from the IT Ministry
Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State for IT, officially confirmed the disruption caused by the submarine cable damage. She explained that authorities were in close contact with international operators to monitor the situation. According to her statement, teams are working diligently to assess the exact damage. However, no confirmed timeline has been issued yet, leaving users uncertain about when normal internet services will resume nationwide.
Authorities Await Repair Timeline
The IT Minister noted that Pakistan is awaiting further updates from the relevant maintenance teams working near Jeddah. She assured citizens that once the repair schedule is confirmed, the government will share details with the public immediately. Despite reassurance, the absence of a clear restoration timeline continues to create frustration. Many users have reported sluggish browsing, interruptions in video calls, and delays in online business transactions.
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Broadband Spectrum Shortage Worsens Impact
According to Shaza Fatima, Pakistan’s ongoing broadband spectrum shortage has worsened the situation. With limited capacity available to handle increased digital traffic, even minor international cable faults create widespread service issues. The Minister emphasized that such outages highlight the urgency of expanding the country’s broadband spectrum. Without structural improvements, Pakistan will remain vulnerable to disruptions, affecting businesses, education, and personal communication alike.
Businesses and Users Express Concern
The outage has severely affected businesses that rely on consistent internet access for operations. Freelancers, digital exporters, and e-commerce stores have reported delayed work deliveries and disrupted customer interactions. Similarly, educational institutions conducting online classes faced connectivity challenges. Everyday users also complained about slow video streaming, messaging delays, and unstable voice calls. The outage serves as a stark reminder of Pakistan’s growing dependence on reliable internet services.
Government and PTCL Coordinate Restoration
The government has assured that it remains in continuous contact with Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and global partners responsible for submarine cable maintenance. Both local and international operators are collaborating to ensure the speedy restoration of services. However, technical investigations are still underway to determine the full extent of the damage. Once repairs begin, officials hope to stabilize browsing speeds and restore uninterrupted connectivity nationwide.
Investigation into Submarine Cable Damage
An official inquiry has been launched to investigate the root cause and severity of the cable damage near Jeddah. Such incidents are rare but have serious consequences when they occur. The findings will not only help improve preventive measures but also strengthen Pakistan’s coordination with international internet infrastructure providers. Authorities emphasized that safeguarding submarine cables is critical to ensuring uninterrupted internet access in today’s digital-driven economy.
