The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has alerted the public about a possible disruption in internet services across the country due to a fault in the AAEE-1 submarine cable near Qatar, a key link for Pakistan’s international internet traffic.
The disruption, which may affect broadband and internet services nationwide, is being addressed by relevant teams working on repairs. PTA has assured the public that it is actively monitoring the situation and will continue to provide updates.
Pakistan has faced similar cable faults in the past, leading to significant internet slowdowns. Recent disruptions have already impacted millions of users, particularly businesses, with reports of up to 40% slower internet speeds.
While PTA cites technical faults, digital rights experts suggest the government’s increased firewall usage and regulation of content may be contributing to the slowdown.