'Internet speed issue likely to be resolved in three months'

P@SHA confirms ongoing tests on internet firewall

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The Pakistan Software House Association (P@SHA) has announced that the ongoing internet speed issues in the country are expected to be resolved within three months.

P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Mustafa Syed addressed the public, stating that while discussions around connectivity issues continue due to the firewall, the government is actively working to resolve these problems, Express News reported.

"One possibility is that when sending a message on WhatsApp, images may not send due to ongoing surveillance," Syed said, referring to the internet monitoring that has affected services across the country.

Reports from users in various cities have highlighted frequent internet slowdowns, making tasks like browsing, downloading media, and sharing files on platforms like WhatsApp challenging.

Both Wi-Fi and mobile data services are reportedly suffering from severe sluggishness, causing significant disruptions for users.

According to government sources, the ongoing issues are related to the internet firewall being implemented.

The government has confirmed that its web management system is undergoing an upgrade, with multiple tests having been carried out, including a trial in July and another in August.

These tests aim to improve overall connectivity and internet speed.

The government and PSHA have reassured the public that improvements to internet services are expected soon, with the issue likely to be fully resolved in the next three months.

The government is focusing on optimising internet infrastructure and removing roadblocks caused by the firewall.

Earlier this week, internet users across Karachi and several other cities in Pakistan faced severe connectivity issues as disruptions in internet speed persisted.

The slow internet speeds have made it difficult for users to send and receive multimedia messages, such as images, videos, and voice notes, on popular applications like WhatsApp.

Both Wi-Fi and mobile data services have been impacted, leaving individuals and businesses grappling with daily challenges. Those working from home, freelancers, digital marketers, and students attending online classes are among the most affected groups, as slow internet speeds hamper their productivity and learning.

According to reports from IT experts, the ongoing internet disruption is costing Pakistan's economy billions of rupees every day. The country's telecom sector, which generates a daily profit of approximately Rs3 billion, is facing a major setback, with 3G and 4G networks contributing to up to 70% of the telecom sector’s daily revenue.

The slow internet speed is adversely impacting not just the telecom industry but also several other sectors dependent on smooth connectivity for business operations.

The current internet crisis highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions to stabilize and improve Pakistan's digital infrastructure, especially in an era where remote work, online education, and digital business have become crucial.