ISLAMABAD: The ongoing internet disruptions in Pakistan have plunged the public and businesses into confusion and frustration, according to Shahzad Arshad, Chairman of the Wireless and Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan (WISPAP).
Arshad criticized the recent statement by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Chairman, Major General (retired) Hafeez ur Rehman, who attributed the internet issues to a fault in the submarine cable. He argued that this explanation is merely the latest in a series of conflicting narratives from the authorities.
In a statement to the media, Arshad highlighted the inconsistent messaging from government officials. He noted that the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication initially downplayed the disruptions, assuring the public that there was nothing unusual. However, soon after, rumors surfaced about a potential upgrade to the National Firewall System (NFS), coupled with vague references to a “web management system.” When pressed for details, officials either refused to comment or outright denied the NFS’s involvement.
The situation took an unexpected turn when the PTA Chairman acknowledged both the fault in the submarine cable and the ongoing NFS upgrade. This sudden admission raises critical questions: Why was the public kept in the dark for so long? Why were there conflicting statements from different government bodies? And most importantly, why are internet users and businesses bearing the financial burden of this confusion?
“As representatives of WISPAP, we are deeply concerned about the lack of transparency surrounding these events,” Arshad said. “The public deserves to know what is truly happening with the country’s internet infrastructure. Is it merely a submarine cable fault, or is there something more? The PTA’s sudden acknowledgment of the NFS upgrade, after weeks of speculation and denial, has only added to the uncertainty.”
Arshad emphasized that this lack of clarity is not just a communication issue—it is causing significant financial harm. The telecom sector has already reported losses of Rs300 million, and this figure excludes the undocumented IT sector, which likely faces substantial, unreported losses.
Businesses dependent on stable internet connections are losing money every day due to these unexplained disruptions, leaving the public to suffer the consequences without any clear answers.
The ongoing uncertainty has left many questioning the government’s handling of the situation and the true state of Pakistan’s internet infrastructure.
