ISLAMABAD: The Chairman of the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), Sajjad Mustafa Syed, has assured that Pakistan's current internet speed issues will be resolved within the next three months. This comes amid concerns that the implementation of a firewall could be causing connectivity disruptions.
Syed explained that if users are unable to send images via WhatsApp while sending text messages, it could indicate ongoing monitoring. Reports from various regions suggest that internet speeds in Pakistan have been inconsistent, with users facing difficulty in browsing, downloading, and sharing media effectively.
Both Wi-Fi and mobile data services have been significantly affected, making it challenging for users to send or receive images, videos, and voice notes on popular platforms like WhatsApp. The government has acknowledged the issue, citing ongoing tests of a new "web management system" and firewall installations that began in July and August.
During these trials, users experienced considerable slowdowns, and several digital platforms faced disruptions. The specific cause of the recent internet slowdowns remains unclear.
Despite these challenges, Syed dismissed claims that IT companies are leaving Pakistan due to slow internet speeds, stating that no company has departed the country. He noted that while part-time workers face challenges due to unreliable internet connections, full-time IT employees with fixed-line services are not experiencing significant issues.
Syed also remarked that firewall installations and surveillance are common global practices, although there may be some procedural deficiencies in Pakistan's implementation. He compared the situation to the U.S., where authorities respond swiftly to illegal content.
Ongoing internet disruptions have become a regular occurrence in Pakistan, where inadequate infrastructure continues to cause significant economic losses, with experts estimating billions of rupees in daily losses due to connectivity issues.
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