Internet users in Pakistan are facing slow connectivity after a fault developed in international submarine cables near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) confirmed the disruption on Saturday.
According to the company’s spokesperson, the fault has affected two major systems, the South East Asia–Middle East–Western Europe 4 (SMW4) and the India–Middle East–Western Europe (IMEWE) cables. The issue has resulted in reduced Internet quality, especially during peak usage hours.
Steps Taken by PTCL
PTCL assured customers that its international partners are working on repairs with urgency. Local technical teams are also arranging additional bandwidth to keep Internet services operational across the country.
“We are grateful to our customers for their patience. Efforts are being made to minimize the impact of the submarine cable fault,” a PTCL Group spokesperson stated.
Impact on Users
So far, Internet users have reported slower browsing, delayed downloads, and interruptions in video streaming. The slowdown is more noticeable in the evenings when online demand is higher. PTCL has promised that once repair work is completed, Internet speeds will return to normal.
The incident highlights Pakistan’s reliance on undersea cables for global connectivity. Any disruption in these critical systems directly affects millions of users who depend on the Internet for communication, education, and business activities.
Experts say such outages are not uncommon but emphasize the need for stronger backup arrangements. With growing Internet demand in Pakistan, the stability of international cables remains vital for ensuring reliable service nationwide.
PTCL has confirmed that updates will be shared with customers as repair efforts continue. Until then, users are advised to expect temporary slowdowns, particularly during high-traffic hours.
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