In a world where advanced internet technologies like 5G have already been widely adopted, Pakistan is grappling with slow internet speeds and the growing consequences of internet outages. According to a recent report by Top10VPN.com, a VPN review site, Pakistan led the world in terms of financial losses due to internet shutdowns and social media app outages in the past year. The country incurred a massive financial impact of $1.62 billion as a result of these disruptions.

The Current Internet Situation in Pakistan

The country’s average internet download speed hovers around 7-8 MBPS, which falls behind many other countries that have long embraced advanced bandwidths. Despite this, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar rejected the findings of the report and defended Pakistan’s internet services. He asserted that the internet in Pakistan is “much better and cheaper” compared to several other countries. He emphasized that internet services in Pakistan have improved, and in the near future, the situation would continue to get better.

Minister Tarar also pointed out that Pakistan offers some of the cheapest internet plans globally, referencing unlimited data offers from various telecom and LAN providers. He downplayed the report’s claims as politically motivated, calling it a “political discussion without evidence.” However, the actual situation on the ground has seen multiple instances where internet services were either shut down or severely limited, particularly in moments of political unrest and heightened security concerns.

The Backlash and Political Tensions

The claims made by Minister Tarar have not been without controversy. In August of the previous year, IT Minister Shaza Fatima Khawaja faced severe backlash over similar claims regarding internet disruptions. Khawaja had attempted to explain the internet slowdowns by blaming the increased usage of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). VPNs have gained popularity in Pakistan as a means of circumventing government-imposed internet censorship and accessing restricted content. As more citizens use VPNs, it has reportedly contributed to slower internet speeds in the country.

However, Khawaja’s explanation did little to ease the frustration of Pakistan’s citizens and internet users. Critics pointed out that the government’s actions to curb dissent, including restricting social media platforms and internet services during critical times, had led to a significant decline in internet service quality. The situation worsened during periods of mass protests or during sensitive political events.

The Uncertain 5G Rollout

One of the most significant areas where Pakistan is falling behind is the rollout of 5G services. While 5G networks are already in operation across the globe, Pakistan is still awaiting its launch. The government had previously promised to roll out 5G services by August 2023; however, this target has been postponed, and the launch date has now been set for August 2025. This delay highlights the challenges Pakistan faces in upgrading its telecommunication infrastructure to meet the demands of modern internet usage.

Despite the delay in 5G deployment, the country’s internet situation continues to be a subject of political debate. Minister Tarar’s comments dismissing the global ranking on internet speed and financial losses have sparked further discussions about the future of Pakistan’s digital infrastructure and its reliance on outdated technology. The extended timeline for the 5G rollout leaves many wondering if Pakistan will be able to catch up with global standards.

Looking Ahead

With the delay of 5G services and continued issues with internet outages, Pakistan faces a challenging future. The country must balance the growing need for better internet services with the broader political realities, including censorship and restrictions. As Pakistan prepares for its next phase of digital transformation, investment in infrastructure and technological advancements will be crucial to ensure global competitiveness in the digital age.

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