Pakistan’s internet users are likely to experience slow speeds and service disruptions for the coming weeks after two major undersea cables near Yemen were damaged. These cables are a vital part of the country’s connectivity to the global internet.
IT Secretary Zarrar Hasham confirmed that between four to five cables in the region were cut, which has directly affected internet quality in Pakistan. Many users across the country have already reported difficulty in browsing, video streaming, and online communication.
To reduce the impact, authorities have shifted bandwidth to alternative networks. However, Hasham explained that this is only a temporary solution and cannot fully meet the demand.
Restoring the damaged cables will take time since the process requires special repair ships that are not immediately available. According to the IT Secretary, it may take at least four to five weeks before services return to normal.
The issue was discussed during a meeting of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee in Islamabad. Members expressed concern over the impact on businesses, education, and communication, as millions of people rely on stable internet access for their daily activities.
Experts said that undersea cable damage is not uncommon, but it highlights Pakistan’s heavy reliance on a few critical links for global connectivity. They added that diversifying internet infrastructure and investing in more resilient networks could help reduce the risk of widespread disruption in the future.
For now, users may continue to face slower speeds, especially during peak hours, until the damaged cables are fully repaired and services are restored.
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