A new modern cable will be connected on Tuesday to increase internet speed in Pakistan as there have been complaints of slow speed since long.
Under the initiative, a 45,000-kilometer long internet cable will be connected to Pakistan from Africa region.
IT experts are of the view that the cable has a capacity of 180 terabits per second, which will improve internet speed, including browsing of social media apps in the country.
It is recalled that Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima, recently admitted that the internet speed in the country is below the standards.
Pakistan Peoples Party, a major ally of the ruling coalition, has also criticised the government over slow internet speed in the country.
During a National Assembly session, PPP leader Shazia Marri lamented over slow speed and also took a dig at the government for introducing a Digital Nation Bill amid snail-paced internet.
On Dec 18, Fatima, while addressing a session of the National Assembly, said internet services in specific areas were shut down on the basis of data provided by provincial home offices.
It did not affect the entire country. “We try to ensure that users of the technology suffer the least inconvenience. I apologize for the inconvenience caused to users,” Shaza continued.
The minister of state said that steps would be taken to protect our data from cyber-attacks.
“X was shut down on the instructions of the Interior Ministry. The closure of X has nothing to do with freedom of expression. If we had to curb the freedom of expression, TikTok and Facebook would not have been working either.”
Shaza said that “the language used against us is unbearable.”
Boosting Internet Speed in Pakistan: A Step Toward Digital Modernization
Pakistan is taking a significant leap towards enhancing internet speed and connectivity as a new modern cable is set to connect the country with Africa. This move aims to address longstanding complaints about slow internet speeds that have plagued users across the nation.
A Technological Milestone
The initiative involves the deployment of a 45,000-kilometer-long internet cable capable of delivering speeds of up to 180 terabits per second. IT experts predict this development will significantly improve browsing experiences, including the use of social media applications, and potentially pave the way for a more digitally connected Pakistan.
Acknowledging the Challenges
The issue of subpar internet speed has been a recurring concern in Pakistan. Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima, recently acknowledged that the country’s internet services are below global standards. Her candid admission highlights the urgency of addressing this issue to meet the demands of an increasingly digital world.
Criticism from Political Circles
The slow internet speed has not gone unnoticed by political figures either. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key ally in the ruling coalition, has been vocal in its criticism. During a National Assembly session, PPP leader Shazia Marri expressed her frustration over the inadequate internet speeds. She also questioned the government’s decision to introduce the Digital Nation Bill amidst such challenges, emphasizing the disconnect between policy aspirations and ground realities.
Addressing Service Interruptions
Apart from slow speeds, service interruptions have also been a source of frustration for users. On December 18, Shaza Fatima clarified in the National Assembly that internet services in specific areas had been temporarily shut down based on data from provincial home offices. She assured the public that such measures were localized and aimed at minimizing user inconvenience. The minister apologized for the disruptions and emphasized that the government is committed to minimizing such occurrences in the future.
Enhancing Cybersecurity
In addition to improving connectivity, Shaza Fatima highlighted the government’s efforts to safeguard user data from cyberattacks. She reiterated that certain social media platforms were temporarily restricted based on directives from the Interior Ministry and assured that such actions were not aimed at curbing freedom of expression. “If we intended to restrict freedom of expression, platforms like TikTok and Facebook would also have been shut down,” she said. The minister added that the government is intolerant of abusive language online and is actively working to address it.
Moving Forward
The introduction of this modern cable marks a critical step towards overcoming Pakistan’s digital challenges. By addressing slow internet speeds, service disruptions, and cybersecurity concerns, the government is laying the groundwork for a more connected and technologically advanced nation.
As this project unfolds, it will be crucial for policymakers to ensure that these improvements translate into tangible benefits for users. A faster, more reliable internet will not only enhance user experiences but also drive economic growth, innovation, and digital inclusion across the country.
