Pakistan Internet Crisis: When Will Speed Return to Normal?
Federal IT and Telecommunication Secretary Zarrar Hashim announced that restoring Pakistan’s damaged submarine cables may take an additional 4-5 weeks. This update comes as internet users across the country continue experiencing slow speeds and connectivity issues.
During a parliamentary committee meeting, committee member Sadiq Ali Memon raised concerns about internet speed problems. He questioned why Pakistan faces internet issues despite three new cables coming to the country.
Yemen Situation Causes Serious Cable Damage
Secretary Zarrar Hashim explained to the parliamentary committee that the situation is serious due to conditions in Yemen, with 4-5 cables cut in the region. The disruption stems from multiple submarine cables being severed off Yemen’s coast.
Two cables directly connected to Pakistan have been affected, causing significant connectivity problems for the entire country. The damaged infrastructure requires specialized repair operations that cannot be rushed.
Red Sea Cable Cuts Affect Multiple Countries
On Saturday (September 6, 2025) multiple undersea submarine cables in the Red Sea had been severed, causing widespread internet disruptions across parts of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. This incident highlights how vulnerable global digital infrastructure can be.
The cable cuts didn’t only affect Pakistan. Microsoft warns customers of ‘increased latency’ in connectivity and says efforts are under way to resolve the issue. Several countries in the region face similar connectivity challenges.
Complex Repair Process Requires Specialized Equipment
Restoring the damaged submarine cables will require special repair vessels, a process expected to take at least four to five weeks. The technical complexity of underwater cable repairs explains the extended timeline.
Specialized ships must locate the exact fault, lift the damaged cable from the seabed, splice it and then test it before restoring service. Weather conditions and ship availability also affect repair schedules.
Companies Shift Bandwidth to Alternative Routes
Secretary Hashim confirmed that telecommunications companies have moved bandwidth to alternative routes to maintain some connectivity. This temporary solution helps reduce the impact but cannot fully restore normal internet speeds.
The IT ministry is working with service providers to optimize available bandwidth through backup connections. However, these alternative routes have limited capacity compared to the damaged primary cables.
Three New Cables Planned for Pakistan
Three new internet cables will come to Pakistan in 12-18 months, providing better redundancy for future disruptions. This infrastructure expansion aims to reduce Pakistan’s vulnerability to single cable failures.
The new cables will strengthen Pakistan’s internet backbone and improve overall connectivity resilience. Multiple cable connections help ensure continued service even when individual cables face problems.
Impact on Pakistan’s Digital Economy
The internet slowdown affects various sectors including e-commerce, online education, and digital services. Businesses relying on fast internet connections face operational challenges during this disruption period.
Internet users across Pakistan complained of slow internet and hindered access to services throughout 2024, showing this isn’t an isolated incident. Previous cable faults have created similar connectivity problems.
Global Internet Infrastructure Vulnerability
Such incidents highlight the vulnerability of global internet infrastructure and its direct impact on Pakistan. The current situation demonstrates how regional conflicts can affect international connectivity.
Subsea cables can be cut by anchors dropped from ships, but can also be targeted in attacks. Both accidental damage and deliberate targeting pose risks to underwater cable networks.
When Will Internet Speed Return to Normal?
Based on official statements, Pakistan’s internet users should expect continued slower speeds for the next 4-5 weeks. The restoration timeline depends on successful repair operations and favorable weather conditions in the Red Sea region.
While companies work to optimize alternative routes, full speed restoration requires completing submarine cable repairs. The government continues monitoring the situation and coordinating with international repair teams.
