Islamabad, Augst 28: Pakistan’s connectivity has turned into a battleground of poor management, ambiguous communication, and delayed infrastructure projects as the country struggles with an increasingly severe internet crisis.
Millions of people’s digital lifelines have been seriously jeopardized, from delayed WhatsApp messages to unbearable latency in VPN and remote desktop connections.
The Wireless Internet Service Providers Association of Pakistan’s (WISPAP.org) chairman, Shahzad Arshad, expressed his worries urgently. Our serious vulnerabilities have come to light as a result of the frequent internet outages. Broken cables are only one aspect of the problem; another is a disjointed strategy that exposes the country to digital immobility. Our infrastructure plan needs to be completely rethought, not just patched up with band-aid solutions.
“Creating multi-gigabit connected Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across all telecom regions is not merely advisable—it’s imperative,” he said, emphasizing the requirement of strategic forethought. Such precautions have been taken by developed countries to strengthen their digital backbones, guaranteeing that the larger network would continue to function even in the event of isolated disruptions. Similar regulations must be implemented in Pakistan in order to protect its digital economy.
The slow progress on the China-Pakistan fiber link and the postponed activation of the PEACE cable, both hailed as significant developments, are contributing to the complexity. The public and businesses are left in a state of anxiety due to the deterioration of the situation caused by unclear deadlines and the deferral of commencement for these projects.
The Islamabad High Court found that the official answers provided by the government were insufficient, adding to the aggravation.
Shahzad Arshad went on to say that by hinting that the current internet problems would last longer than expected, the government’s legal representatives have further dashed hopes. A strong approach to lessen future disruptions has been demanded by the business community, educators, and digital professionals. The stakes are quite high for those who depend on internet connectivity to make a living, be it businesses, educational institutions, or freelancers battling to supply content online.
The scenario has on a larger scale, prompted a serious conversation regarding the durability and sustainability of Pakistan’s internet infrastructure. Pakistan’s current situation serves as a clear reminder of the need for progressive legislation and robust technology frameworks as the world shifts to economies that are more and more digital. If swift and forceful action isn’t taken, the nation could face more severe economic consequences and a longer digital divide.
Now, the question is whether Pakistan’s internet will continue to be mired in a web of inefficiencies and delays or if the government and telecom authorities can step up to the plate? Future success depends on deliberate effort, openness, and a dedication to strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure.
