The people of Pakistan faced internet outages across multiple cities, adding to the ongoing struggles the country is enduring due to its economic crisis. With internet disruptions in key areas such as Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore, many Pakistanis have reported slow speeds, limited access, and challenges using essential online services. The internet slowdown is largely attributed to an overloaded network and the country’s ongoing upgrade of its Web Management System, commonly referred to as an “internet firewall.”
Internet Outages Widespread in Major Cities
As internet disruptions hit various regions of Pakistan, users in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore reported significant slowdowns in service. The outages have affected not only individual users but also businesses and essential services, such as online banking, food delivery, and ride-hailing applications. WhatsApp, a widely used communication tool, was among the services affected in the past 24 hours, causing frustration among users trying to stay connected during these critical times.
The outages have become increasingly noticeable, with some users stating that internet speeds have dropped by as much as 40% to 80%. Shahzad Arshad, an internet service provider in Lahore, commented that businesses in the city were suffering due to the inability to communicate with international clients or exchange important files.
Web Management System Upgrade and Bandwidth Issues
A key reason the people of Pakistan faced internet outages stems from the ongoing upgrade of the country’s Web Management System, often called an “internet firewall.” According to a senior executive from one of the country’s cellular mobile operators, the system is being updated to handle up to 9 terabytes of internet traffic. However, the transition has been marked by disruptions and slow speeds.
Pakistan’s bandwidth—the amount of information a network can send at any given time—has been reduced as the Web Management System is being overhauled. With over 110 million internet users, nearly half of Pakistan’s population is affected by this bandwidth bottleneck, resulting in slower connections and reduced access to online services.
VPN Use Contributing to Internet Slowdowns
Pakistan’s Information Technology Minister, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, addressed concerns about the slow internet during a press conference. She clarified that the internet was not being “blocked” or intentionally slowed down but pointed out that the widespread use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) was contributing to the slow internet speeds. VPNs allow users to bypass local servers, which can lead to congestion and further slowdowns.
The rise in VPN usage is linked to the government’s tightening control over the internet in recent years, with many individuals using VPNs to access restricted content and avoid government censorship. However, the increase in VPN activity has strained Pakistan’s internet infrastructure, exacerbating the slowdown.
Impact on Daily Life and Business
The internet outages have had a significant impact on daily life for many Pakistanis. With online services disrupted, essential tasks such as online banking and communication have been delayed. For businesses, especially those relying on international clients, the inability to send and receive files in a timely manner has caused financial losses.
Chaudhry Arif, who runs a software company in Islamabad, shared his frustration, stating that the internet speed had deteriorated drastically in the past week, with no improvement in sight. He added that such instability severely hampers business operations, making it difficult for companies to meet deadlines or maintain communication with clients abroad.
Internet Firewall and Censorship Concerns
While the government has cited the need for a robust Web Management System to combat cybersecurity threats, there are concerns that the system could be used to restrict access to information and monitor online activities. Earlier reports suggested that Pakistan’s government is implementing an internet firewall to control content on social media platforms, raising alarms about censorship.
Despite these concerns, the government has denied using the firewall for censorship purposes. Pakistan’s IT Minister has reassured the public that the system upgrade is solely for improving internet security and managing online traffic more efficiently. However, with access to certain social media platforms, such as X (formerly Twitter), being blocked since February, skepticism remains. Critics argue that the restrictions are designed to stifle dissent and prevent criticism of the government.
Future of Internet Services in Pakistan
As Pakistan navigates through its economic crisis and faces growing demands on its internet infrastructure, the people of Pakistan face internet outages and slowdowns that could continue in the short term. The IT minister acknowledged that internet usage has surged in recent months, leading to congestion and overloading of networks. Pakistan has also delayed the rollout of 5G services, initially planned for August, which could have helped alleviate some of the pressure on the current network.
In conclusion, the people of Pakistan face internet outages due to the combined effects of a nationwide upgrade of the Web Management System, increased VPN usage, and growing bandwidth demands. While the government is working on solutions, these outages have disrupted daily life and business operations across the country. Whether the upgrades will resolve the issues or lead to further restrictions remains to be seen. For now, Pakistan’s internet landscape remains a source of frustration and concern for millions of users.
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